Just yesterday, I tried to create a Briefcase folder on my XP Desktop, but upon right-clicking a blank area, I found that the "New" menu was limited to maybe five items, with no "Briefcase."

What gives? I'm used to dozens and dozens of mostly-useless things showing up on right-click + "New" and slowing things down, so fewer is welcome, but I should have the things I need. How do I fix this?

EDIT: Sorry for mistyping "truncated" in the header. Apparently too late to change it.

I would run your virus and or Malware scans as this indicates some process altering your registry.

It could also be some legitimate software if you've recently loaded anything that has added to your Context Menus.

The easiest way to restore is Tweak UI

Tweak UI > My Computer > Templates

However you can modify the registry manually as well as seen HERE.

I followed your advice and did the scans. Also, used TweakUI to restore the item. Thanks.

Thanks for the update. Let us know if we can help further.