“errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.&errorcode=4” on the screen, which is quite annoying if it occurred while working on a Mac or an iOS device. This blog post seeks to provide you with reasons for this error and how you can solve it permanently.
Understanding NSCocoaErrorDomain Error
The NSCocoaErrorDomain is an error numbering space that is contained in the Cocoa application programming interface under the Apple Operating System for MacOS and iOS. Mistakes that occur here relate to the system’s performance of tasks such as managing files, storing data or components that manage the interface between the user and the application.
The specific error code 4 pertains to a situation where a file is missing and the system or an application is trying to use a shortcut which is not available. This error occurs mostly after using several auto tools, application shortcuts or any scripts that may contain the old addresses of either moved or deleted your files.
Common Causes of the Error
To be able to solve it to its root, one needs to know what may be the possible causes of this error. Common causes include:
- Long Path Error: It is a problem that calls for attention consequently due to the removal or moving of the referred shortcut without including a change in reference to the system or application.
- Wrong Links: Attributes that relate to wrong file locations and applications that have been relocated without updating the links.
- Permission Problems: This means that the system or applications do not have required authorization to access the required shortcut.
- Corrupted Shortcuts: Files that are shortcut once by the system but developed some problems that made the system to fail in identifying them accordingly.
Steps to Fix the Error
Here is the method to fix the “ errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain& errormessage=Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut. & errorcode=4 ” error:
1. Verify the Shortcut’s Existence and Path
Ensure that the shortcut in question exists and that its path is correct.
- Locate the Shortcut:
- Open Finder (macOS) or Files app (iOS).
- Go to the directory with the shortcut that is supposed to reside.
- Can’t find the shortcut? Recreate it by creating a new alias (macOS) or shortcut (iOS).
- Check the Shortcut Path:
- Right-click (or tap and hold) on the shortcut.
- Select “Get Info” (macOS) or “Details” (iOS).
- Verify that the path points to the correct and existing file or application.
2. Restore or Recreate Missing Shortcuts
If the shortcut has been deleted or corrupted:
- Restore from Backup:
- Retrieve the shortcut from a Time Machine backup (macOS) or iCloud backup (iOS).
- Recreate the Shortcut:
- Find the original file or application.
- Right-click (or tap and hold) and select “Make Alias” (macOS) or “Create Shortcut” (iOS).
- Place the new shortcut in the desired location.
3. Update File Paths in Scripts or Applications
For automation scripts or applications referencing the shortcut:
- Edit the Script/Application Settings:
- Open the script or application settings.
- Locate references to the shortcut.
- Update the paths to reflect the current location of the target file or application.
4. Adjust File and Folder Permissions
Incorrect permissions can prevent access to shortcuts.
- Modify Permissions:
- Right-click (or tap and hold) on the shortcut or its parent folder.
- Select “Get Info” (macOS) or “Details” (iOS).
- In the “Sharing & Permissions” section, ensure that your user account has “Read & Write” access.
- If necessary, click the lock icon to make changes and authenticate with your password.
5. Reset Launch Services Database (macOS)
Resetting the Launch Services database can resolve issues related to application shortcuts.
- Use Terminal to Reset:
- Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
Enter the following command:
/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Support/lsregister -kill -r -domain local -domain system -domain user
- Press Enter.
- Restart your Mac to apply the changes.
6. Clear System Cache and Preferences
Corrupted cache or preference files can lead to shortcut errors.
- Clear Cache:
- Open Finder.
- Press Shift + Command + G to open the “Go to Folder” dialog.
- Enter ~/Library/Caches and press Enter.
- Locate and delete caches related to the problematic application.
- Reset Preferences:
- In the same “Go to Folder” dialog, enter ~/Library/Preferences.
- Find the preference file (.plist) associated with the application and move it to the Trash.
- Restart your device to regenerate the preference file.
7. Update or Reinstall the Application
Outdated or corrupted applications can cause shortcut errors.
- Check for Updates:
- Open the App Store.
- Go to the “Updates” section.
- Can you see available updates for the application? Install it.
- Reinstall the Application:
- Delete the problematic application.
- Download and install the latest version from the App Store or the developer’s website.
8. Perform a System Update
Keeping your operating system up to date can resolve underlying issues.
- Update macOS or iOS:
- Open “System Preferences” (macOS) or “Settings” (iOS).
- Select “Software Update.”
- Can see available updates? Follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
Preventing Future Shortcut Errors
To minimize the risk of encountering similar errors in the future:
- Maintain Organized Files:
- Avoid moving or renaming files and applications that are linked to shortcuts.
- Regular Backups:
- Use Time Machine (macOS) or iCloud (iOS) to back up your system regularly.
- Review Permissions:
- Periodically check and adjust permissions to ensure necessary access rights.
- Cautious Software Updates:
- Before updating applications or the operating system, ensure that critical shortcuts and files are backed up.
Conclusion
The actual meaning of the “errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.&errorcode=4” error is to inform the users that the system fails to locate the specified shortcut and the possible reasons are missing files, wrong path and permission issues. Indeed, by performing a few steps such as checking the existence and paths of the shortcuts, as well as changing the permissions, emptying the cache and updating your system, you will be able to solve this error and avoid it in future.
