Whenever we use technological devices, some problems come along with them. Even in smart and simple devices like Chromebook, users sometimes face errors that seem complicated to understand. Recently, many users have been seeing a strange error:
“Errordomain=NSCocoaErrorDomain&ErrorMessage=The specified shortcut could not be found.&ErrorCode=4“
In this article, we will understand this error in simple language. You will learn why this error occurs, what it means, and how to fix it on Chromebook or other devices. Also, we will share ways to prevent it in the future.
What is NSCocoaErrorDomain?
NSCocoaErrorDomain is an error domain used in Apple’s macOS and iOS based devices. When a Cocoa framework based app performs some operation and it is not successful, the system generates an error code under NSCocoaErrorDomain.
What Does ErrorCode=4 Mean?
ErrorCode=4 means that the system could not find the shortcut or file it needed. That is, the app was looking for a file or link at a specific location, but it was not present.
In simple language:
You had put a name board on a door, but that door is no longer there. Now, when someone wants to reach that door by looking at that name, the door is missing. That is ErrorCode=4.
Why Does This Error Occur?
Software Bug
Sometimes a file or shortcut gets deleted automatically during an update in the app. It could be a small bug in the software that breaks the link of the shortcut.
Delete or Relocation of the Shortcut File
This is the most common reason. The user inadvertently changes the location of the folder or file. The shortcut associated with it is now useless because its destination has changed.
Causes Related to System Update or App Permissions
Sometimes the system permissions get reset while updating macOS or Chromebook. In such a case, apps are no longer allowed the access they had previously granted, which makes shortcuts inactive.
How to Fix NSCocoaErrorDomain Error on Chromebook?
1. Verify the Shortcut Path
First, find the shortcut that is giving the error. Go to its Properties or Details and check which location it is pointing to. Now open that location manually and see if that file or folder still exists. If not, then recreate the same file/folder with the same name and location.
2. Recreate the Shortcut
If the shortcut is not working, delete it and create a new shortcut. Right-click > Create shortcut or choose an option like “Add to desktop”. Make sure the new shortcut is pointing to the correct location.
3. Reset app permissions
Systems like macOS, iOS, and ChromeOS have very strict app permissions. If an app has been revoked for some reason, it can no longer access your file system or shortcuts.
Do this:
- On the Chromebook, go to Settings > Apps > Manage your apps.
- Select the relevant app (such as an Apple app or an iCloud-based app).
- Click Permissions and check if file and media access is turned on.
- If any permission is turned off, turn it on.
- Then restart the Chromebook and check if the error still occurs.
4. Update or Reinstall the App
Perhaps you haven’t updated an app for a long time, or it is missing an important file. Sometimes when the app runs on an older version, it doesn’t work properly with the new system. In such a case, this error may appear.
5. Check for macOS/iOS Updates
If you are using macOS or iOS devices and this error is occurring on Chromebook when you sync with iCloud or other apps, your Apple devices must also be fully updated.
Older systems may have some Cocoa framework files missing or corrupted. So if you are using Apple apps through ChromeOS, make sure all devices are on the latest update.
6. Contact Developer Support
If you have tried all the solutions mentioned above and the problem persists, it is time to contact the developers of that app or system directly.
How to contact:
- Raise a ticket by going to the support section of the app.
- Type the error message exactly as it is:
Errordomain=NSCocoaErrorDomain&ErrorMessage=The specified shortcut could not be found.&ErrorCode=4
- Include your device name, system version, and what you have tried.
How to Avoid Such Errors in the Future?
Now that you have resolved this error with so much effort, the next step is to avoid it in the future. Because ‘one who is burnt by milk, even buttermilk, should be drunk with caution’. So let’s know some solutions that will keep you away from such errors.
- Take regular backups
- Systematic management of shortcuts
- Protect data before the system update
Common Scenarios Where ‘The specified shortcut could not be found’ Error Appears
1. When the Location of the File is Changed
You renamed a folder or file or moved it from one place to another, but the shortcut is pointing to the same old location.
2. When the File is Deleted
Many times, we inadvertently delete an important file and leave its shortcut on the desktop or other places. Whenever we click on that shortcut, the system tries to find the file, but it shows this error if it is not found.
3. Interference by Third Party Apps
Some third-party cleaners or management apps automatically delete duplicate, temporary, or ‘other irrelevant’ files. If the file your shortcut is linked to is deleted by any such app, the shortcut will be broken.
4. File Missing From Network Drive or Cloud Storage
If the shortcut is linked to a network location or cloud drive and that drive is not connected or the file has been deleted, then it is natural to get the error.
FAQs
1. Does this error occur only on Chromebooks?
A. No, this error can occur on any device using macOS or iOS based apps.
2. Is it safe to recreate the shortcut?
A. Yes, recreating the shortcut is safe. It does not affect any files or data.
3. Can it cause data loss?
A. The error message itself does not cause data loss, but if the file the shortcut was pointing to is deleted, then data can be lost. Hence, it is very important to have a backup.
4. What to do if nothing works?
A. If the error persists despite all the above measures, seek developer support or consult a technical expert.
Conclusion
Error messages like ” Errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4” scare us, but when we understand them carefully and dig a little deeper to identify the causes, the solution becomes just as simple.
In this article, we understand every aspect of this error in simple language, what it means, why it occurs, and how to fix it on a device like Chromebook. Also, some important tips and precautions for the future were shared so that you do not face such a problem again.