There are times when a file gets saved in the wrong location or you forget where on the computer you have saved the file. The ability to find a critical file that is lost can make - or save - your day.

*Note that directions follow for Windows 98 Users, but they point out the slight differences you will encounter if you're using Windows 95 or Windows 2000. Screens for Windows 95 and Windows 2000 will look slightly different than those displayed here.

1. Right click on the Start button. The Start button is typically located at the bottom left of your screen.

2. On the pop-up window, click on Find. In Windows 2000, click on Search. In Windows95, another window will open up where you will click on Files or Folders.

3. A small window will open up. This window is where you will specify which file you looking for and where you want to search to find the file.

4. In the box beside Named, type all or part of the file name. In Windows 2000, type the file name under the words Search for Files or folders named.

Enter a word or phrase in Containing text if you do not know the name of a file but know a distinctive word or phrase it contains.

5. If you want to specify the location to start the search, click Browse. The C: drive is your systems main, default hard drive, most likely you'll find your file there.

6. Left click on the Find Now button.

7. Once your file has been found, you will be able to see where and in what folder the file was saved. You can also click on the file name and the file will open up.