Mac Shortcut Error “Couldn’t Find Shortcut” Fixed (6 Easy Steps)

Have you ever encountered the cryptic error message “errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=kunne ikke finde den anførte genvej.&errorcode=4” on your Mac? If so, you’re not alone. This error can appear in various scenarios, leaving users bewildered and frustrated. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and solutions to tackle this error effectively.

Understanding the Error Message

Let’s break down the message to gain a clearer understanding:

• errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain: This indicates that the error originates from the macOS Cocoa framework, which handles core functionalities like application interactions and user interface elements.
• errormessage=kunne ikke finde den anførte genvej. (Danish for “couldn’t find the specified shortcut”): This is the crux of the error, signifying that the system is unable to locate a particular shortcut or alias you’re trying to use.
• errorcode=4: This code serves as a unique identifier for this specific error within the Cocoa framework.

Essentially, the error message translates to “macOS Cocoa Error: Couldn’t locate the requested shortcut.”

Common Causes of the Error

Several factors can contribute to this error:

• Broken Shortcut: The shortcut you’re attempting to use might be corrupted or damaged due to various reasons like application updates, permission issues, or disk errors.
• Incorrect Path: If the shortcut points to an application or file that has been relocated or renamed, the path will become invalid, triggering the error.
• Conflicting Shortcuts: In rare instances, having multiple shortcuts with identical names can cause confusion for the system, leading to this error.
• Application Issues: The application associated with the shortcut might be experiencing internal problems, preventing the shortcut from functioning correctly.

Effective Troubleshooting Steps

Here are a detailed set of steps to help you address the “errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=kunne ikke finde den anførte genvej.&errorcode=4” error:

1. Verify Shortcut Accuracy:

   • Locate the problematic shortcut. Right-click on it and select “Get Info.”
   • In the “Get Info” window, examine the location path displayed under “General.” Ensure the application or file referenced by the shortcut still exists at that location.
   • If the path is incorrect, click on the lock icon in the bottom right corner to unlock the settings (if necessary). Then, edit the path to point to the correct location of the application or file.

2. Recreate the Shortcut:

   • If verifying the path doesn’t resolve the issue, consider recreating the shortcut.
   • Locate the original application or file you want to access through the shortcut.
   • Drag the application or file icon to your Dock, Desktop, or desired folder while holding down the Command (⌘) key. This will create a new alias or shortcut.

3. Remove Conflicting Shortcuts:

   • Open System Preferences and navigate to “Keyboard” > “Shortcuts.”
   • Explore the various shortcut sections like App Shortcuts, Services, and Keyboard.
   • Look for any duplicate shortcuts that might be causing conflicts. If found, select them and click the “-” button to remove them.

4. Update Applications:

   • Outdated applications can sometimes lead to shortcut malfunctions.
   • Open the App Store and check for available updates for the application associated with the problematic shortcut. Install any updates to ensure compatibility.

5. Repair Disk Permissions:

   • Disk permission issues can occasionally prevent shortcuts from functioning correctly.
   • Use Disk Utility (located in Applications > Utilities) to repair disk permissions.
   • Select your startup disk from the sidebar and click on “First Aid” in the toolbar.
   • Choose “Repair Disk Permissions” and click “Run” to initiate the process.

6. Restart Your Mac:

   • A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches that might be causing the error.
   • Click on the Apple menu and select “Restart.”

Advanced Troubleshooting (if necessary)

If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, consider these advanced methods:

1. Reset Finder Preferences:

   • Open Finder and navigate to “Go” in the menu bar while holding down the Option key (⌥). This reveals the hidden “Library” folder.
   • Inside the Library folder, navigate to “Preferences.”
   • Locate the file named “com.apple.finder.plist” and move it to your Desktop.

2. Safe Mode Boot:

   • Restart your Mac while holding down the Shift key (⇧). This boots your system in Safe Mode, which loads only essential components.
   • Try using the problematic shortcut in Safe Mode. If it functions correctly, it indicates a potential conflict with third-party applications or startup items.
   • Once you’re done troubleshooting in Safe Mode, restart your Mac normally to exit Safe Mode.

3. Check for Conflicting Third-Party Applications:

   • If the error persists after Safe Mode, consider recently installed applications that might interfere with shortcuts.
   • Try temporarily uninstalling third-party applications, one by one, to see if the issue gets resolved. This can help identify the culprit application.

4. Reinstall the Application:

   • If the error is specific to a particular application, reinstalling it might be necessary.
   • Uninstall the application and then download a fresh copy from a legitimate source. Reinstall the application and test the shortcut again.

5. Create a New User Account:

   • In rare cases, the issue might be confined to your current user account profile.
   • Create a new user account on your Mac and try using the shortcut from that account. If it works correctly, it suggests a problem with your original user profile settings or files. You can then migrate your data selectively to the new user account.

6. Backup and Reinstall macOS:

   • As a last resort, if none of the above methods work, consider reinstalling macOS. This will erase your entire system and reinstall the operating system.
   • It’s crucial to back up your important data using Time Machine or another backup method before proceeding.
   • Once you have a backup, follow the instructions provided by Apple for reinstalling macOS on your specific Mac model.

Prevention Tips

Here are some practices to help prevent the “errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=kunne ikke finde den anførte genvej.&errorcode=4” error from recurring:

• Maintain Updated System: Regularly update your macOS and applications to ensure compatibility and address potential bugs.
• Organize Shortcuts: Keep your shortcuts well-organized and avoid creating duplicates. Use descriptive names for shortcuts to identify their purpose easily.
• Proper File Management: Manage your files effectively. If you move or rename files referenced by shortcuts, update the shortcut paths accordingly.
• Cautious Software Installation: Be cautious when installing third-party applications, especially those that modify system settings or interact with shortcuts.

Conclusion

By following these troubleshooting steps and preventative measures, you should be well-equipped to address the “errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=kunne ikke finde den anførte genvej.&errorcode=4” error on your Mac. Remember, if you encounter any difficulties or have further questions, don’t hesitate to consult Apple’s support resources or seek help from a qualified technician.