title: NPM - Can't install packages
body: <p>I inherited a <code>React</code> project and after getting the latest code it failed to run - the previous developer isn't available. So, with no experience, I got on with it </p>
  
  <p>Here's a list of the thing I did:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>Updated <code>Node</code> to latest</li>
  <li>Updated <code>NPM</code> to latest</li>
  <li>Updated <code>VS Code</code> to latest</li>
  <li>Removed <code>package-lock.json</code></li>
  <li>Ran a bunch of <code>npm&lt;whatever&gt;</code> commands that are littered all over    internet</li>
  <li>The <em>coup de grâce</em> was when I deleted all the packages from    <code>node_modules</code></li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>So, now I can't even get <code>npm install --verbose</code> to work.  <em>It just hangs and gives no feedback</em>.  I can't reinstall <code>Node</code> because the jokers here got us locked-down.</p>
  
  <p>What can I do to install the packages?  Am I doomed?</p>
  
  <p>UPDATE:  I disconnected from the network and went on the company wifi and <code>npm install</code> worked.  How can that be?</p>