Try the following (I've captured these methods from various threads)
hard reset. Going into recovery mode and wiping the entire device is the only way out. The secure lockscreen is there for a reason, and sorry to say this, but you can't register
fingerprints without setting an alternate password...
Usually turning the device on by holding the power + volume up + home button together until you see the Recovery Menu works.
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went for the factory reset (Volume up, Power button and Home button).
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Press and hold the Volume UP and Volume DOWN and Power button at the same time, 10 seconds. Tablet restart.
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After about eight hours the battery didn't die. Got frustrated... continued looking at multiple forums. Found that someone managed a reboot on a Tab2 with combination of volume and power hold for 10 seconds.
Well it worked... Volume down, then power button hold for 10+ seconds and the unit rebooted.