Reject package installs you did not request.
Read the command before approving it.
Revert lockfile changes from a surprise install.
Restate the rule after compacting.
Smoke-test only the file you asked to change.
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.