Understand the starting point
Identify the affected system, the data that matters, and the available copies before attempting recovery. An action that writes to a device can change the evidence or reduce future options.
Preserve context
Records need origin, dates where known, relevant configuration, and the reason for a change. Provenance helps explain a recovery; it does not guarantee that every source is correct.
Independent operation
Core functionality is intended to remain usable without a mandatory AI service. Any future assistance must be optional, replaceable, and subordinate to the person making the decision.