diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index bbb26d8..d9b0c82 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -92,6 +92,30 @@ The helper is started automatically when Cthulhu-Go detects an active Wine
 loader for the same user and prefix. It requires the selected reader service
 to be running; it exits if that service is unavailable.
 
+## Recovering an overwritten local helper
+
+Older Python Cthulhu builds install a bundled helper at the same local path.
+They can replace `cthulhu-wine-access.exe` and its `.exe.so` sidecar while leaving
+this project's native hook files in place. A running helper and a working D-Bus
+connection therefore do not establish that the standalone menu and editor
+support is installed. Missing MUSHclient menu or command-field feedback can be
+caused by this installation mismatch.
+
+From this standalone repository, rebuild and install the complete five-file
+helper set using `./build.sh`, then reload Cthulhu from its original desktop
+session. Keep the launcher, sidecar, both hook DLLs, and 32-bit host from the same
+build together. Updating only the reader executable does not update this helper.
+
+For diagnosis, verify the running helper's executable path and session bus,
+compare installed files with the standalone build, and check that
+`wine-access-menu-host32.exe` is running for 32-bit editor support. Hook DLLs
+already loaded into an application remain pinned; save work and restart that
+Wine application after replacing those DLLs. Check MUSHclient menus, command
+typing, and incoming plugin speech after recovery. The isolated editor,
+controller, helper-restart, and hook-safety checks in
+[tests/README.md](tests/README.md) cover the corresponding automated paths;
+audible speech and physical Braille require live verification.
+
 ## Reader selection and Orca integration
 
 The default invocation and `--reader cthulhu` use the existing Cthulhu endpoint.