Good morning @SDH. It is here anyway. Thank you so much for your response. As always, it is greatly appreciated / needed.
I knew something wasn't right when I gently tried to insert the fan connector into the one on the MOBO. I see from the photo that you provided that there certainly is a noticeable difference in their design. I will begin with a sharp blade (exacto knife) an gently sand down if necessary. I suppose that once the outer ridge is removed the and the plug is inserted the correct cables will be associated with the correct pin order on the HP MOBO