Delete Dell SupportAssist leftover files

rdwray · Oct 6, 2023

Can I delete 545 mb of SupportAssist leftover files after uninstall in these folders? I have renamed all these folders and rebooted and there doesn't seem to be any problem.

C:\Drivers\SupportAssistDriverPackage
C:\ProgramData\SupportAssist
C;\Users\...\Appdata\Local\Packages\DellInc.DellSupportAssistforPCs_htrsf667h5kn2
C;\Users\...\Documents\Dell\Appdata\Local\Packages\SupportAssist

Senecio · Oct 6, 2023

After removing Support Assist, I used CCleaner to clean the registry. (Make sure you only delete registry references to SupportAssist, and save the old settings in CCleaner before deleting). CCleaner is a "Marmite" program, which is to say that some people don't like it and others do; I have no problem with it.

Good luck.
John

rdwray · Oct 6, 2023

Senecio said:
After removing Support Assist, I used CCleaner to clean the registry. (Make sure you only delete registry references to SupportAssist, and save the old settings in CCleaner before deleting). CCleaner is a "Marmite" program, which is to say that some people don't like it and others do; I have no problem with it.

Good luck.
John

I have already done that with CCleaner, just not sure about the left over files. I keep trying to understand why uninstallers don't clean the registry and remove latent files.

FreeBooter · Oct 6, 2023

The latest version of AdwCleaner now removes PC bloatware in addition to adware and PUPs.

rdwray · Oct 6, 2023

Thanks @FreeBooter

FreeBooter · Oct 6, 2023

You are very welcome!

Flashorn · Oct 6, 2023

rdwray said:
Can I delete 545 mb of SupportAssist leftover files after uninstall in these folders? I have renamed all these folders and rebooted and there doesn't seem to be any problem.

C:\Drivers\SupportAssistDriverPackage
C:\ProgramData\SupportAssist
C;\Users\...\Appdata\Local\Packages\DellInc.DellSupportAssistforPCs_htrsf667h5kn2
C;\Users\...\Documents\Dell\Appdata\Local\Packages\SupportAssist

Yes , you can But, make sure to create a new Restore Point before. This should always be done before any
uninstall of system programs just in case.

How to create a new Restore Point:

Now, take a look at this video below. It is a re-install procedure But, it will also show you which folders and
entries to delete. Look at all of the video pls and write down appropriate folders and entries to delete.

You can also make use of this uninstaller:

Revo Uninstaller Free

Download Revo Uninstaller Free helps you to uninstall software and remove unwanted programs easily. Remove all uninstall leftovers and traces

www.revouninstaller.com

How to use:

rdwray · Oct 6, 2023

Thanks @Flashorn, I always keep a fresh restore point - have used it many times; also have a cloned SSD handy.

Flashorn · Oct 6, 2023

rdwray said:
Thanks @Flashorn, I always keep a fresh restore point - have used it many times; also have a cloned SSD handy.

Good on you. You just don't know how many users do not or don't know how to do it.
Just fair practice to inform.

Steve C · Oct 7, 2023

Dell Support Assist is a PITA and hard to remove. I would reinstall it then uninstall it using Revo Uninstaller to remove as many remnants as possible.

rdwray · Oct 7, 2023

Steve C said:
Dell Support Assist is a PITA and hard to remove. I would reinstall it then uninstall it using Revo Uninstaller to remove as many remnants as possible.

In Tools > Windows Cleaner I selected items to clean but there is no button do the cleaning and I cannot find any information on it; do you know how to use this?

Berton · Oct 7, 2023

I have used the portable CCleaner since the days it was called CrapCleaner, it always prompts for backing up the Registry before making changes and stores that .reg file in the User's default Documents folder.

rdwray · Oct 7, 2023

@Steve C found the answer to activate Windows Cleaner - the "Clear" button at the top.

Berton said:
I have used the portable CCleaner since the days it was called CrapCleaner, it always prompts for backing up the Registry before making changes and stores that .reg file in the User's default Documents folder.

I have used CCleaner for years, but I know it leaves things in the registry.

glasskuter · Oct 7, 2023

rdwray said:
I keep trying to understand why uninstallers don't clean the registry and remove latent files.

You're using the wrong uninstaller. Try Revo. When it gets to the scan stage, Set it run advanced scan

rdwray · Oct 7, 2023

glasskuter said:
You're using the wrong uninstaller. Try Revo. When it gets to the scan stage, Set it run advanced scan

I just did... It remove a bunch of stuff out of the registry, but when I ran CCleaner, it found a bunch more. What I don't understand is when I uninstalled SupportAssist manually, CCleaner did not find the entries. Windows is baffling.

Berton · Oct 7, 2023

rdwray said:
I just did... It remove a bunch of stuff out of the registry, but when I ran CCleaner, it found a bunch more. What I don't understand is when I uninstalled SupportAssist manually, CCleaner did not find the entries. Windows is baffling.

Could be Dell has something different from usual program installs. Is there anything in the BIOS referencing that SA? I have 2 late-model Dells that came with Win10 Pro and immediately after setup and updates got the free Upgrade to Win11 Pro. haven't needed to try removing that support. Will check after the warranty expires, next week for the Notebook and April for the Desktop.

glasskuter · Oct 7, 2023

Are you saying you used CCleaner to uninstall Support Assist in the first place? If I remember correctly (it's been a while) when I uninstalled SA right after I got my computer, Revo uninstalled it, then scanned for leftovers. I selected all the leftovers to be removed which Revo did remove. I believe there was like one or two entries Revo told me to manually remove which I did after a reboot. I believe Revo couldn't remove those entries because I did not disable SA in task manager and stop SA services before I tried to install it.