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July 15th, 2025 06:19
Low Memory - Can I delete Dell Snapshot Backup Files?
Hi, I have a Dell XPS computer and my C Drive only has about 5 MB of memory left. As a result, I can't really use most of the programs on my PC because my C Drive is mostly filled up.
I downloaded WinDirStat, which lets you see which files take up the most space, and noticed that a backup folder under (ProgramData>Dell>SARemediation>System Repair>Snapshots>Backup) is using about 90 GB out of the 230 GB of total memory in my C Drive.
I just wanted to see if it is safe to delete the older backups in this file?
I tried downloading Dell SupportAssist which is supposed to assist in deleting backup files, but unfortunately it requires 2 GB to download and can only be downloaded onto the C Drive so I can't even download that program to help manage manage the size of this backup folder.
Any help is greatly appreciated. The WinDirStat screenshot is copied below.
ispalten
4 Operator
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2.3K Posts
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July 15th, 2025 17:42
Hmm, I have an XPS8940 and let Support Assist run (I have the latest release) and I don't have any of those files? In order to even see the folder I had to give Administrator access (and I run as the Administrator)?
Here is an OLD link on this, might help you ---> https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/supportassist-for-pcs/reduce-disk-space-used-by-saremediation/647f9441f4ccf8a8de67d279 and another, https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/supportassist-for-pcs/saremedation-folder-is-taking-up-alot-of-space/647fa097f4ccf8a8de5a1158
Chino de Oro
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8.1K Posts
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July 15th, 2025 07:01
As long as you are keeping to use those Dell Assist tools, deleting some backup files won't be a long term solution. You can either performing a clean Windows installation for a clean slate or upgrading your OS drive with a larger capacity SSD.
If data is important to you, keep them backup externally.
billstewart22
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July 16th, 2025 04:46
@ispalten Thanks, these links are helpful. It looks like others have a problem with the backups as well.
ispalten
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July 16th, 2025 17:32
@billstewart22
Well, those links ARE OLD, so I'm not sure if they apply in terms of 'having a problem'?
This is a more recent link here on how to remove it ---> https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/supportassist-for-pcs/how-to-uninstall-the-dell-supportassist-remediation/650a52d87bcb75485bf2acae
There was recently a new version of Support Assist released at https://www.dell.com/en-us/lp/dt/supportassist-for-home-pcs and you might need it as well? I'm running that one, 4.8.2. Only way it seems to see the version is when it starts on the first screen shown for a short time.
garioch7
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July 20th, 2025 16:07
@billstewart22 ,
Welcome to the Dell Forums. You are not alone with this issue. I uninstalled SupportAssist entirely from my computers. You can see my comments here: https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/supportassist-for-pcs/support-assist-stop-automatic-backups/647f9329f4ccf8a8de52d5c0?commentId=647f9361f4ccf8a8de56e0d6.
From my perspective, SupportAssist is an unreliable, resource hog. If your Dell is no longer under warranty, then you really don't need it. You can just check the Dell Support site for new drivers.
Just my two cents. I do not work for, or nor do I represent Dell. Have a great day.
Regards,
Phil
billstewart22
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July 20th, 2025 19:45
@ispalten Thanks, the older links were able to provide a solution thankfully.