Just installed the latest Adobe update and now you're staring at a blank slate? Panic not! It's surprisingly common for recent files to vanish during an Adobe installation. While it *feels* like your work is gone forever, it's often just a matter of finding where Adobe is now looking for those files.
First, don't save anything new until you've recovered your recent files list. New files can overwrite important data. Next, check the Adobe application's preferences. Look for settings related to 'Recent Files List' or 'Open Documents.' The location might have been reset to a default.
Dig a little deeper! Your operating system likely caches recent files too. Search your OS's equivalent of 'Recent Items' to see if you can locate the files directly. Sometimes Adobe simply isn't picking them up.
If all else fails, don't hesitate to contact Adobe support. They have tools and knowledge to help you track down those elusive files. Remember to back up your work regularly to prevent future installation-induced heart attacks!