The error Errordomain=NSCocoaErrorDomain&ErrorMessage=Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.&ErrorCode=4 is something many people see on macOS. It happens when your system can not find a shortcut or alias. This problem comes from NSCocoaErrorDomain, which is part of how macOS manages problems in Cocoa apps. You may feel worried when you see this error, but you can fix it if you know what to do. This article shows you what the error is, why it comes up, and easy steps to fix it and get things working again.
Table of Contents
Understanding NSCocoaErrorDomain Error
The Errordomain=NSCocoaErrorDomain&ErrorMessage=Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.&ErrorCode=4 is used in Apple’s Cocoa framework. This framework is key for making macOS and iOS apps. Most problems here happen when the computer has trouble with files, the user interface, or system tools. Error code 4 shows up with a message that says “Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.” This means the system can’t find a file or shortcut that an app or process wants to get to. When this happens, things may not work right. It can stop apps from starting, change how things work, or mess up tasks in macOS.
The error usually happens in the macOS shortcut system. An alias (a shortcut) is used to get to files, folders, or apps. If you move, remove, or damage the thing it points to, macOS gives you this error when you try to use the shortcut.
Common Causes of This Error
There can be several things that cause the NSCocoaErrorDomain error with code 4. To fix the problem, you need to know what these causes are. This way, you can solve the issue in a good and simple way.
- Moved or Deleted Files: The most common reason is when the original file or folder that goes with the shortcut has been moved, changed, or taken out.
- Corrupted Aliases: The shortcut itself may not work because of system problems or bad file handling.
- File Permission Issues: Wrong permissions on the file or folder can stop macOS from reaching it.
- Corrupted System Cache: Data stored on your Mac about shortcuts or apps may get old or broken.
- Application Issues: A trouble-causing app may not get shortcuts right, especially after you update or put it back on.
- macOS System Bugs: A bug or old software in your Mac’s system can bring errors that stop shortcuts from working.
- Launch Services Database Issues: The Launch Services database on macOS controls file links, and it may have wrong or old entries.
How to Fix Errordomain=NSCocoaErrorDomain&ErrorMessage=Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.&ErrorCode=4
Here are some easy-to-follow steps to fix this error. These steps are ordered from the simplest to the most helpful. Try each solution, one by one. After you do a step, check if the problem is gone. Keep going until the error is fixed.
1. Check and Restore the Shortcut
The first thing you need to do is check if the shortcut’s target is still there. If the file or folder has been moved or deleted, the shortcut will not work.
- Locate the Shortcut: Find the shortcut that is giving you an error. It might be on the Desktop, in the Dock, or inside a folder.
- Check the Target: Right-click on the shortcut and choose “Get Info.” Then, look at the “Original” field to see where the file is. If the file or its path cannot be found, you will need to look for the real file yourself.
- Restore the File: If you moved the file, go to where you moved it and make a new shortcut. To do this, right-click the file and select “Make Alias.” Now, use this new shortcut instead of the old one.
- Test the Shortcut: Double-click the shortcut to see that it opens the right file or app.
2. Restart Your Mac
A simple restart can fix small problems in the system that cause the error. These problems often do not last long.
- Save all the work you have open.
- Click on the Apple menu. Then pick “Restart.”
- When the Mac turns back on, try the shortcut again.
3. Reset Launch Services Database
The Launch Services database controls file links and shortcuts. To reset it may fix problems when you get broken shortcuts.
- Open the Terminal app. You will find it in Applications and then under Utilities.
- Type this command in, then press Enter:
bash
/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Support/lsregister -kill -r -local -system -user
- Wait for the command to finish. Then, restart your Mac.
- Try the shortcut and check if you still get the error.
4. Check and Fix File Permissions
Incorrect file permissions can stop macOS from getting to the file you need.
- Right-click the shortcut or the file you want and pick “Get Info.”
- At the bottom of the “Get Info” window, find the “Sharing & Permissions” part.
- Make sure your user has “Read & Write” rights. If you do not have it, click the lock, type in your admin password, and change the rights.
- If this is about an application, do the same steps for the app’s folder in the Applications place.
5. Clear System Cache and Preferences
Broken cache files or wrong settings can make shortcuts not work.
- Open Finder. Then press Command + Shift + G to bring up the “Go to Folder” box.
- Type in ~/Library/Caches and take out everything inside this folder. Do not remove the whole folder.
- Go to ~/Library/Preferences. Find any files that are from the app that is causing trouble, like com.apple.finder.plist. Move these files somewhere safe as a backup.
- Restart your Mac and try the shortcut again.
6. Reinstall the Problematic Application
If you get this error when you open an app from a shortcut, the app might not work right. It may be broken or have some issues.
- Open the Applications folder. Find the app that is not working right, and drag it to the Trash.
- Get the newest copy of the app from the Mac App Store or the maker’s website.
- Put the app back on your computer. If you want, you can make a new shortcut after you install it.
- Try the app and shortcut to see if they work now.
7. Check for macOS Updates
An old macOS may have bugs. These bugs can make this error happen.
- Click the Apple menu, and pick “System Settings.” If you have an older version of macOS, pick “System Preferences.”
- Go to “General.” Then click “Software Update.”
- Put in any updates you see. When it is done, restart your Mac.
- Try to use the shortcut again after you update.
8. Use Terminal to Locate the Missing Shortcut
If you feel good about using the Terminal, you can use it to find out more about what is wrong.
- Go to the Terminal by opening Applications and then Utilities, and clicking on Terminal.
- You can use the find command in this window to look for the file you need. For example:
bash
find / -name “filename” 2>/dev/null
Use filename to be the name of the file or app that the shortcut goes to.
- If the file is there, write down where it is and make a new shortcut that goes to it.
- If the file is not there, it could be gone, and you might need to get it back from a backup.
9. Create a New User Account
A broken user profile can cause shortcut errors that keep happening.
- Open System Settings > “Users & Groups.”
- Make a new admin user account.
- Log in with the new account and try the shortcut or app.
- If you do not see the error in the new account, think about moving your data to the new account or fixing your past user account.
10. Contact Apple Support
If none of the above ways work, there may be a deeper problem. You may need to do some advanced troubleshooting.
- Go to Apple’s support website (support.apple.com) or reach out to Apple Support.
- Share the details about the error, like when it shows up and what you have tried to fix it.
- Apple Support might ask you to run more tests or, if needed, to install macOS again.
Conclusion
The Errordomain=NSCocoaErrorDomain&ErrorMessage=Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.&ErrorCode=4 error can feel annoying, but it is often because of things like moved files, broken shortcuts, or small system problems. You can fix this error by taking some clear steps. Start by checking the shortcut, and then try other ways to solve the problem, like resetting the Launch Services database or reinstalling apps. Doing things like keeping macOS up to date and looking after your file settings can help stop this error from happening again. If the error keeps coming back, you can reach out to Apple Support to get more help. With some time and the right steps, you can get your Mac working well again and stop this error from showing up.