Yeah, this is true. However if it were an ASUS computer in any way at all, it would say ASUS clearly on the case. I doubt he would have said I have no idea who the computer was made by if it were right in front of him.
All three of us never mentioned anything about a laptop.
Thats why I gave him my advice for trying a different key to try on the motherboard which usually gets it many types of asus motherboards.
Its just in his best interest to speak with asus and see what they recommend.
If he goes through pc specialist, I gurantee you they will charge him to reinstall the os if the partition is indeed gone and to setup everything if he wants it.