START SIMPLE Search by file name, keyword, date modified, file type, author, or folder where it was last seen. CHECK COMMON LOCATIONS Recent files, downloads, desktop, documents, shared folders, recycle bin or trash, cloud storage, and email attachments. FILTER Use date and file type filters to narrow results. ASK If it was a shared file, ask collaborators whether it was moved, renamed, or deleted. PREVENTION Use clear file names and shared locations instead of saving important files in random local folders.