System Recovery > Repair folder hogging disk space

prepbgg · 01 Aug 2017

I have noticed that C:\System Recovery\Repair is taking a large amount of disc space. TreeSize shows that it contains 351,288 files, Size 53.8GB, Allocated 36.2GB. The file types are mainly .dll .exe .manifest .sys .mof .cat

I read elsewhere on the web that it might relate to Dell Backup and Recovery and that uninstalling that program might release the space. I have therefore uninstalled it but no space has been released. I tried to copy it to an external disc with a view to possibly deleting it, but Windows did not allow me to access it.

What is this folder? Is it managed by Windows? Can it be reduced in size, or removed?

dalchina · 01 Aug 2017

Hi, I don't have such a folder in my Anniversary build installation.

You should always be able to delete items by e.g.
- shift + left click Restart and navigate to a command prompt
- boot from a Windows disk to a command prompt via 'Repair your computer'
- using a boot disk such as Kyhi's -top of the Software and Apps section
- i.e. Windows is not running so permissions are not an issue, nor running programs accessing it
- using a program such as Emco MoveonBoot (free) (delete on restart)
- using an unlocker program
- changing permissions

etc etc

prepbgg · 01 Aug 2017

Thanks, dalchina, for the advice about how to delete. However, I'm nervous of the possible consequences of deleting without knowing more about the folder.

Does the fact that Windows restricts access mean that it is used by Windows? And if so, what for?

I'm struggling to find information about the folder on the web. I've found some forum threads suggesting that it may be a problem specifically affecting Dell computers and the preinstalled Dell Backup and Recovery software. (I never knowingly used that program before I uninstalled it.) I've also found a thread (How to Fix: Can't Delete 'C:\System Recovery' Folder | www.infopackets.com) referring to an HP computer. I wonder if the folder was used by software that both Dell and HP install?

dalchina · 01 Aug 2017

I don't know what the exact message is you're seeing.

Permissions?
Folder in use?

If it's the latter, you may get more info by using an unlocker tool, which would tell you what's using it. That could be informative.

prepbgg · 03 Aug 2017

dalchina said:

I don't know what the exact message is you're seeing.

When I try to open "C:\System Recovery\Repair\Backup" a popup window opens with the message "You don't currently have permission to access this folder."

I wish I had not uninstalled Dell Backup and Recovery so hastily, because I might have been able to tell by running that program what folder location it used for its backup data (if indeed it was backing anything up). I have tried reinstalling the program but the installation failed.

I have now asked on the Dell Community forum if anyone can throw light on this. Failing that, I may simply follow the instructions to delete the folder and hope for the best.

Thanks again for your help.