recover a lost file or folder

I have read the manual but still have issues.
What steps do you take to retrieve a lost file or folder?
I was told to enter the name in the sech utility then was told not to but to search the archives which I have no idea about.
I only have 30 days support and am frantically trying mybest to understand this program.
I have read sticky next to grover also.
Pleas help me with the above?