any idea why a player character sheet would limit his choice is races?

[Bizmal]

Today a friend and I tried to make a character but it would only give him 4 choices for race?

[JohnD]

Using SRD or a different book instead of PHB?

[Moon Wizard]

It sounds like they only have the Basic Rules module loaded. Try loading the SRD instead of the Basic Rules, or the Players Handbook (if they own or are connected to a GM who owns).

Regards,
JPG