Trying to resurrect 2014 Mac MINI

I am trying to boot up a 2014 Mac Mini that I was told was wiped clean.

Unsure if that means reformatted, or how it was done exactly.

But I was told that the password was not working.

I suspected the 'usual', picking an account & trying to log into that account.

The issue is that the Mini boots to a 'generic' password screen (gray screen), and not a folder, after the start-up process.

This also happens if I try booting into Safety Mode.

If I try booting into recovery mode, that only bring up the password screen right away.

I have zapped the PRAM.

I have thought of opening the Mini up and removing the RAM (battery?), then reinstalling them.

Any ideas would be appreciated.