But I have Dell support on all the time I think (when I go to the website it says it's on), along with just having the support assist app. I am NOT giving them consent to go through my stuff, I just want to know if they can do that. Just seems extremely sketchy. 

In my humble opinion, anytime you are connected to the Internet your privacy is at risk.  No Internet connection; no risk. 

Regarding allowing others access into your computer through remote desktop or a program such as Dell Support / Support Assist, once they are in they have access to everything.  Sort of like when you allow a contractor into your house to do a job, they may be busy fixing the drain under the sink, but theoretically, they have access to your entire house.  I would like to think that Dell Support is very busy trying to solve your problem that they would not have the time nor inclination to forage through your files, but legally your reasonable expectation to privacy went out the window when you allowed someone else to connect to your computer with the ability to search files. 

The reality is that tech support needs access to your files in order to do its job, I suppose a simple solution is to put all sensitive material on a removable hard drive and remove it before allowing an outside connection.  But unfortunately, the C drive will still contain much information that should remain private.

I would not loose any sleep over it, hopefully, you will not have any problems that require direct computer connection to tech support. 

My private info was broadcast to the world in a security breach allowed by both a credit card company and a credit reporting agency...both firms that you would think could properly secure your private information.  Nothing I could have done would have prevented that...unfortunately you can't keep your information out of credit reporting agencies.

No, Dell will NOT have access to your system and data outside of a troubleshooting situation where you explicitly allow them to view and control your computer. And even in that case, they don't have hidden access to your filesystem, they have remote desktop access, which means that you can see what they do at all times and cut the connection if you feel like they're opening a folder / app that they shouldn't.

If you're really worried and want additional peace of mind, you can simply disable the Dell services, as well as the Windows remote assistance features. Type "services.msc" in the Windows search bar, open the Services app, find the 6 Dell services, double-click each of them, click "Stop", set the startup type to "Disabled" and click Apply. Do the same for the "Remote Desktop Services" and "Remote Registry" services. Do not touch anything else there! 

Keep in mind that disabling these will prevent Dell technicians from helping you when needed. You'll have to re-enable those services. 

I am referring to when you contact a Dell Support tech with a problem, and in the course of the problem solving the tech ask you if he can make a direct connection to your computer.  If you agree you have given consent for a direct connection to your computer which would allow the tech to see your files. 

This "feature" is only turned on when you agree because you are in contact with a tech support person who feels that it is required to solve a technical problem with your computer...and you can always decline to have the connection made.

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@Timber wrote:

 So your saying even if I don't use the Dell Support, they have full access to all my files on my computer, without my consent at all?

 

No, I'm saying if you do use Dell Support and allow them to connect to your computer then they would have access, you would have to give your consent.

So your saying even if I don't use the Dell Support, they have full access to all my files on my computer, without my consent at all? Are you kidding me? If that's true I'm sending this machine back this week. 

Okay thanks for the clarification Doghouse.

Thanks for the info Bertro

Hi Bertro, sorry for one last question (I can't edit my other post I guess):

I did look up the services like you said, but I only see 5 instead of 6:

Dell Data Vault Collector
Dell Data Vault Processor
Dell Data Vault Service API
Dell Hardware Support
Dell SupportAssist

Is there a sixth one not named Dell / or maybe I'm just missing it? I just wanted to make sure these are all the correct ones before I do anything if I decide to, just so I don't mess anything up. Thank you!