Suddenly lost my inbox in WLMail IMAP

A couple months ago I switched from a Windows Live POP3 mail program to IMAP. The switch was rather agonizing for me but finally it seemed to work--except: there were duplicate files--Inbox, Sent, etc.  and every time I downloaded mail the search box showed that it was searching every single folder on the IMAP list--which was a puzzle because it was supposed to be downloading.  Well, today I looked at the two "Sent" folders and since once appeared to be empty I deleted it. I think that was all I did.  I don't remember, and certainly didn't intend to delete an Inbox folder but suddenly my entire Inbox has disappeared.  H. E. L. P. !!
I'm using Windows 7 (with the June 13 update installed) and Live Mail Version 2011 (Build 15.4.3508.1109).  I've LOVED this program.  I can see a calendar pane down the right side of the desktop which is very handy.  I liked the POP3 version but was persuaded to switch to IMAP and it hasn't felt so comfortable since.