abandoning-a-machine

Back up machine-local Git work before access is lost.

4|Updated Feb 25, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/AMindToThink/claude-code-settings --skill abandoning-a-machine
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: abandoning-a-machine
Source: https://github.com/AMindToThink/claude-code-settings/tree/main/skills/abandoning-a-machine
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/AMindToThink/claude-code-settings --skill abandoning-a-machine

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps preserve everything that only exists on a machine that is about to disappear, so unpushed commits, stashes, dirty worktrees, loose files, and large local artifacts are not lost.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Local-only audit: Finds work that is not safely mirrored on a remote, including all branches, submodules, worktrees, and untracked changes.
  • Non-destructive backup: Moves recoverable Git work to dedicated backup branches without forcing or overwriting shared history.
  • Off-machine preservation: Separates large or non-Git artifacts into appropriate backup targets and records what was intentionally left behind.
  • Use Case: A rented server is expiring, and you need to capture every local change, note, and artifact before access ends.

Quick Start

Ask for a complete machine-abandonment audit and backup plan that preserves all local-only work without deleting or overwriting anything.

Frequently Asked Questions about abandoning-a-machine

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I backup unpushed git commits and stashes before losing server access?▼

To backup unpushed git commits and stashes, you can move recoverable local work to dedicated backup branches non-destructively, preserving unpushed commits and stashes without overwriting shared history before access is lost.

What is the best way to preserve dirty git submodules and untracked files from a decommissioned machine?▼

The best way to preserve dirty submodules and untracked files is running a local-only audit that finds work not safely mirrored on a remote, then moving it to backup branches and separating large artifacts into appropriate backup targets.

How do I verify my local git backup reached the remote repository?▼

You verify your local git backup reached the remote repository by performing SHA-level confirmation that ensures each backup branch and artifact was successfully pushed and mirrored off-machine before access ends.

Can I backup non-git artifacts and local notes from an expiring rented instance?▼

Yes, you can backup non-git artifacts and local notes from an expiring rented instance by separating large or non-git artifacts into appropriate backup targets and recording what was intentionally left behind.

Does migrating local work to backup branches overwrite shared git history?▼

No, migrating local work to backup branches does not overwrite shared git history because the process is non-destructive, moving recoverable work without forcing pushes or deleting existing remote data.

What do I need to verify before backing up git work from a shared lab box?▼

Before backing up git work from a shared lab box, you need to verify your git identity and credentials to ensure you have the necessary permissions to push local-only audits and backup branches to the remote.