Please direct all replies or additional questions directly to the thread.

I do not answer privately asked questions.
If they stated that F8 doesn't work, then they either don't know what they are talking about, or the system you have was set up not to use that key. Which does happen with some companies. But if it was set up like the average device F8 should work.
However, this only works when the device is starting up, not if you are already in BIOS (which is what Aptio is). So if you are trying to use the F8 while on that screen, no it won't work. You would have to shut down and try to enter "Safe Mode" before getting to any other screens.
Is the laptop only going to that screen and won't exit it even on boot?