Reject a new README or notes file you did not ask for.
Keep the change in the named source file.
Revert surprise markdown before continuing.
Restate the rule after compacting.
Smoke-test the source change only.
Change one variable at a time and confirm what actually helped.
If a company policy is involved, rule that out before chasing client settings.
Write the working steps into a short checklist for next time.
Export or screenshot a good setup so reinstalls are faster.
If it still flakes, retest on a clean network such as phone hotspot.