How do I recover a lost file?

[sreepradd]

I've been working on a project for weeks and saved it too. There were 2 saved files related to my work. I had to put a hault on them to work on something else for over 2 months. Now, I cannot find the main file anywhere on my laptop. However, the related file which isn't very important (as the main work isn't on that file) has been '[Recovered]' and is sitting on my desktop.

What can I do to find the lost file? Ive searched in and out of all folders and checked trash. As i've worked on many projects in between it isn't on my Recent Files on Illustrator either.

[Jeff Witchel, ACI]

Go to File > Open and use the search feature in the dialog window. (Please see screenshot below.)

[sreepradd]

Ive checked throughout my Macbook. I cant find it anywhere.

2 files went missing, one was recovered somehow

[Test Screen Name]

Use your backups.

[Jose_Vidal]

The best thing I did was to download iBeeSoft Deleted File Recovery Tool labeled "Free Deleted File Recovery Tool" its 39.99 and I found everything I lost.