searching for a recently download file

read this
http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-1082934.html
hope it helps

Thanks OMEGA ...

I have tried.with . no results. The file was not saved on the desktop.
thank you

try to use the find utility to search for the file open: applications --> accessories --> terminal then

find -name file.zip
or
find -name *.zip

in your your home directory

You may take a look in your /home/user directory, press ctrl+h, to see hidden files. Maybe there is a folder .skype and it's in there. Actually it should in any way be in your home directory, because otherwise a regular isn't able to access the file.

In case:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype

correction:
because otherwise a regular user isn't able to access the file.

Thanks Mohamed Zaian and Sam
I have search for Skype but there were no results.

Sam, I have checked the directory(history) nothing with skype or file transfer there. : (

I need magic

Jemer, ctrl+h doesn't mean history, as mentioned it will make hidden files and folder appear in Nautilus.
Another option is to activate 'show hidden files' from the main menu - view -.
http://library.gnome.org/users/user-guide/stable/nautilus-hidden-files.html.en

The point in front of a folder or file indicates the 'hidden', example path:
/home/username/.skype

Do you know the name of the downloaded archive?
Are you sure the ending is .zip? Not tar.gz or other endings?
In places menu at the end is an option 'search for files', you may search in your home/user or in filesystem 'root' with the name. It's also possible to set the option e.g. last changed.

Reference:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/FindingFiles
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LinuxFilesystemTreeOverview

add:
http://wiki.linuxquestions.org/wiki/List_of_file_extensions#T