Why a separate recovered copy comes first
A backup may be older than expected, incomplete, damaged or simply the wrong point in time. Recovering over live Claude Code state can remove newer sessions while you are still investigating the original problem.
A separate folder preserves both versions and makes inspection possible before any deliberate activation or file replacement.
A recovery sequence that keeps options open
- 01
Preserve current readable state
Create a separate safety copy before changing live files when that can be done safely.
- 02
Choose an earlier point
Select a backup that predates the deletion, corruption or incompatible change.
- 03
Authenticate before extraction
Reject missing or modified backup data instead of publishing uncertain output.
- 04
Recover to a new empty folder
Keep the destination outside the active Claude directory and project overlays.
- 05
Inspect sessions and configuration
Confirm the intended history, memory and instructions are present without reintroducing credential material.
- 06
Make live change deliberate
Inspect a separate recovery before deliberately changing active Claude Code state.
Stop when the boundary is unclear
- You cannot tell whether the state belongs to native Windows or WSL
- The backup cannot prove its integrity
- The destination already contains unrelated files
- The recovery point was created after the loss
- The process asks you to restore plaintext credentials
What Calmbu currently claims
Calmbu's standard Claude Code recovery path returns a verified copy in a separate safe folder for inspection. Any deliberate change to active Claude Code state includes additional confirmations and recovery safeguards.
See the recovery model How Calmbu verifies its claimsCommon questions
Can I inspect a Claude Code recovery without changing live state?
Yes. Safe-folder recovery returns the selected recovery point to a separate location so you can inspect it first.
Can Calmbu recover Claude Code on the web?
No. Calmbu protects supported persisted native Windows state, not cloud-only Claude Code sessions or provider-owned systems.
Should credentials be restored with Claude Code state?
No. Sign in again through the normal secure flow rather than treating backup recovery as credential transfer.
Official references used for Claude Code facts
Anthropic documentation establishes Claude Code behaviour. Calmbu-specific statements describe the current product contract and are not presented as Anthropic guidance.