errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4
Are you getting a stupid popup: Error: Unable to find the requested shortcut (Error number 4). Sounds pretty complex, no? I’ve also been there—puzzling over what this ambiguous message could possibly mean, and why my shortcut suddenly stopped functioning. You might be asking yourself, “Why does this always happen when I need it the most? Okay, let’s go through this together and see how to make it work. You are already familiar with this exact error? If you have, read on because we are going to piece by piece work out what’s not right and how can we fix it.
Your comfort level with dealing with this will increase by the end of it. Believe me when I say, I was just as frustrated—hours of banging my head on the table trying to figure out what went wrong, sporadic googling for answers, and then that glorious moment when it finally works. Want to learn how to master this Error Code 4 issue?
WHAT DOES THE ERROR MEAN?
If you get a message like Error: Could not locate the specified shortcut (Error Code 4), this may sound like another language. But, it’s really not as much a mystery as it seems. Let’s break it down.
Domain**: This indicates that the error originates from your operating system’s shortcut/application management.
So number 1 could not find shortcut this is the important part your computer says it cannot find the shortcut that you are using.
– Error Code 4: This code only means that your system has a particular type of problem.
So, why does this error occur? This generally means that the shortcut is no longer valid. Perhaps the path was changed or the file moved, or maybe it is a bug. But whatever the reason, once you know it, you can move forward to mend it.
WHY DOES THIS ERROR HAPPEN?
Now, it is very easy to point fingers at technology.
So, before we dig in to fix it, let us understand the reason why this error occurs. For instance, I still remember the first time I received this error right before a highly important presentation; my computer truly seemed like it was abandoning me! I blamed it on everything – the app, the update, the weather! However, typically the mistake comes down to an easier explanation.
The error code 4 has the following most common reasons:
File Path Changes**: You moved or renamed a file so the shortcut can’t find it.
Software Updates**: A software update could change how shortcuts behave or make old shortcuts nonfunctional. For example, once an update silently moved my files around and all of my shortcuts broke.
Permissions**: In some cases, the shortcut lacks the necessary permissions to open a file. I have had shortcuts fail to work because I neglected to permit my computer access to specific folders.
HOW TO FIX ERROR CODE 4
So, what can we do with this error? Let’s get down to brass tacks and work on solving it. So here is how you can go about troubleshooting this issue in different ways (including what I did, which fixed mine).
1. CHECK THE FILE PATH
Ensure the Shortcut is Aware of its Destination
The typical reason behind Error Code 4 is an existing file which has been moved. Yes, I know it sounds stupid and obvious—but once I even spent an hour debugging just to realize that I had moved the file. This reference needs to be updated → File Location and Update Shortcuts
Shortcut Settings — Open shortcut properties and see the path. Does it reflect the current location of the file?
Rename or Move Back: Attempt to rename the file, or return it to where you discovered it. This usually works the majority of the time.
2. CHECK THE PERMISSIONS
Do You Have Access?
If you have set permissions wrongly, this can also be another reason behind Error Code 4. In case the shortcut does not have any permission, it will simply fail to work. This happened to me when I neglected to enable my profile for a certain directory.
Right-click on the file → Get Info → check permissions.
Before you get started, it is a good idea to check your permissions and update them if required.
3. RECREATE THE SHORTCUT
CLEAN–START FROM SCRATCH WHEN IN DOUBT
At times, recreating the shortcut from scratch will do the trick, and that is how you fix **Error Code 4. Replace the old one and create a new one. When I did this a couple of times it worked like a charm.
→ — REMOVE THE OLD SHORTCUT: — → Get rid of the shortcut that does not work.
Create A New One**: Add a new one. Sometimes old shortcuts get corrupted, and a new one can solve the problem.
4. USE A DIFFERENT APP
Find a Better Way
I have tried all but after that I learned to give up and leave it. That’s when I came up with a better solution — using an alternative app to the shortcuts app. We still have some good third-party tools that exceed its default methods.
Shortcuts are pretty cool, they depend on other apps like *Alfred* or *Keyboard Maestro*. If your regular shortcut is hitting a brick wall, these can save you from many headaches.
5. REVERT SYSTEM UPDATES
Did the Update Break It?
Occasionally an update can result in Error Code 4. This post is based on a problem I faced after updating macOS and some of my shortcuts stopped working. Get back to the previous version of the software as a way to resolve it.
Updates**: See when the issue started. Was there a recent update?
If possible, roll back to the previous version of the software. It might solve the issue.
HOW TO AVOID ERROR CODE 4 IN THE FUTURE
So now that you know what an Error Code 4 is and how to fix it, let us get a 0% chance of this occurring.
1. USE A SPECIAL SHORTCUT FOLDER
Root cause analysis: One practice that helped me greatly was keeping all my shortcut files in the same folder. This enables me to locate them easily, and if I change stuff up, I don’t lose shortcuts.
2. BACK UP YOUR SHORTCUTS
To avoid losing your shortcuts due to an update or error, repeat backups regularly. Without a backup, I have already lost usable shortcuts in the past.
3. USE RELATIVE PATHS
For files that change location often, create relative paths instead of absolute. This came in quite handy when I was transferring files from one drive to another.
4. USE THIRD-PARTY APPS
As I said before, utilizing apps such as Alfred or Keyboard Maestro can help prevent shortcuts from becoming stale. These apps are user-friendly and can save you from making mistakes.
MY STORY: FIXING ERROR CODE 4
For instance, Error code 4 is unique to my situation, so let me tell you about the one time I dealt with it. Sometimes a Friday came around and I had this little shortcut to a script I did for work. I clicked that, and—surprise surprise—**The Code 4 error appeared.
I went through so much: permissions, file path, you name it. Had I decided to persist, this would be where I gave up — if I had persisted. Well, turns out there was a trailing space in the file path! As if, perhaps a minuscule, bothersome space in the name of the folder my computer disliked. Once I fixed it, the shortcut worked again.
Every now and then it is some simple, minor detail that can be easily overlooked, and with dealing with these types of errors repeatedly, we get better at recognizing them.
SUMMARY: FIXING ERROR CODE 4
The only thing that could make you part with your computer by throwing it out the window is a completely unfounded Error Code 4. However, with a little persistence, troubleshooting skills, and knowing what to watch out for, you can conquer this issue.
Remember:
- Verify the path of the file** to ensure complete correctness.
- Correct setting of permissions.
- Here are some things you can try: — If the shortcut is not working, do feel free to recreate the shortcut.
- Third-party apps — Alfred, Keyboard Maestro.
- Errors are the very worst, but for every time you solve one, you improve. After this, you are not just a person fighting the shortcuts — you are a solution provider who can face these challenges.
Next time you encounter Error Code 4, I hope you are all ready to troubleshoot the problem like a champ!