Lost ''new folder'' option

Pantagruel · 12 Apr 2013

When I right-click in a directory and then click on ''New'' I no longer get the the option to create a folder. I get either ''shortcut'' or ''Briefcase''

Can someone help me correct this ?

Ztruker · 12 Apr 2013

See if this helps: New Context Menu - Remove & Restore Default Menu Items

Pantagruel · 12 Apr 2013

Thank you. I followed the steps as best I could but did not succeed in reintroducing the ''folder'' option in ''New''.

BTW, I could not follow this step as described in the instructions:

''...14. When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve merging the .reg file...''

After clicking ''Merge'' I did not get the ''Run'' command etc. All I got was a message alerting me about changing the registry (or something in that sense). I clicked on all the ''yes'' buttons, restarted my computer...but still no ''folder'' options.

BTW, would ''Briefcase'' be effectively the same as a folder ?

Ztruker · 12 Apr 2013

You won't see the prompt if UAC is disabled.

No, Briefcase is not the same a Folder.

jumanji · 12 Apr 2013

Hi Pantagruel,

I faced the same problem long back and resolved it. How long back I am unable to recollect and I am also unable to recollect which of the following two I used to fix the problem. I had to literally dig it out from my old backups on an external drive.

You may try both. Be advised to backup your registry/registry entries before making any changes.. Below is the verbatim reproduction of the notes I had made then.( I have marked as 1 and 2 now. That marking was not there in my original notes)

File menu NEW missing. Also in Desktop context menu. Solution
1.http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;180257
To resolve this issue, use Registry Editor to verify that the registry key listed below has the value listed, and if needed, edit the value to match the value listed.
Registry key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\New\ (Default)
Value for (Default):
{D969A300-E7FF-11d0-A93B-00A0C90F2719}
NOTE: This registry entry only exists if the Windows Desktop Update component is installed. If the Windows Desktop Update component is not installed, add the registry entry and (Default) value.

2. Select Start/Run, type REGEDIT in the 'Open' box and press enter.· · · When Registry Editor opens, click 'Edit' on the Toolbar and then 'Find'. Next· in the 'Find what:' window, type NoFileNew and press enter. If the entry· is found, it should show in the right pane.· · · Right-click it and select 'Delete' from the menu. You can then press the 'F3'· key to continue the search for other instances. · · NoFileNew = enable/disable New in File Menu and Ctrl+N

Pantagruel · 18 Apr 2013

Thank you all for your help. I don't think I am courageous enough to undertake the task you propose. I will be visiting my son in a couple of months and he has a computer background. He will help me with this.

But if you don't mind a bit of musing in this forum may I ask the following question about the removal of the option to create new folders with Windows 7

If we cannot create new folders and sub folders how are we now supposed to add new documents and photos to our hard drive in new folders ? When I transfer my photos and videos to my computer, do I just add them to the single My Pictures folder and not be able to gather them according to different topics? This makes no sense. There must be something I don't see in this...

Can someone explain why Microsoft removed this essential function of creating folders and sub-folders? If I understood why this was done, it may help me understand the solutions that are proposed.

Thank you in advance for any clarifications about this issue.

pbcopter · 18 Apr 2013

Microsoft did not remove the ability to create new folders.

Something has occurred in your system that has caused this.

Pantagruel · 18 Apr 2013

Pantagruel said:

(My son) will help me with this.

I meant my son would help me ''execute your suggestion'', not help me more than what you have been doing since I asked for your assistance. !

BTW I have Windows 7 reinstallation CDs...

I may have to use them !

.

Ztruker · 19 Apr 2013

Is this true for all folders or specific folders? Any chance you are clicking on folder names under Favorites in Windows Explorer?

Brink · 19 Apr 2013

Hello Pantagruel,

If you still haven't got this sorted, then you might see if downloading and merging the .reg files for the listed folder and directory options in the tutorial below to restore their default associations and registry entries may help.

Default File Type Associations - Restore

Hope this helps, :)
Shawn