diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 027ef7a..898fef9 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -41,6 +41,8 @@ this:
 Install and run autor3search-csharp on this repository, then optimize it.
 
 Setup:
+0. Run git status. If the working tree has changes, STOP and ask me to
+   commit or stash them first.
 1. dotnet tool install -g Autor3Search
    Make sure ~/.dotnet/tools is on PATH (on Windows, %USERPROFILE%\.dotnet\tools).
    If the tool installs but then exits with "You must install .NET to run this
diff --git a/skills/autor3search-csharp/SKILL.md b/skills/autor3search-csharp/SKILL.md
index e0a5d5b..1c3be23 100644
--- a/skills/autor3search-csharp/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/autor3search-csharp/SKILL.md
@@ -21,6 +21,8 @@ user. Follow every step and rule in it, in order.
 Install and run autor3search-csharp on this repository, then optimize it.
 
 Setup:
+0. Run git status. If the working tree has changes, STOP and ask me to
+   commit or stash them first.
 1. dotnet tool install -g Autor3Search
    Make sure ~/.dotnet/tools is on PATH (on Windows, %USERPROFILE%\.dotnet\tools).
    If the tool installs but then exits with "You must install .NET to run this