Troubleshooting NPM installation error for Node.js

I’m having trouble with NPM after installing it for Node.js. When I try to use it, I get an error message. Here’s what shows up in the console:

oops something went wrong
detailed info [ 'nodeapp', '/users/me/programs/npmcli' ]
using npmversion 2.1.45
using nodeversion v6.8.24
config file /users/me/.npmconfig
config file /users/me/programs/npmdefaults
ERROR! Problem: CANTFIND, File or folder not there
ERROR! Tell us about this issue at:
ERROR!     devforums.ourcompany.com/npm-bugs
ERROR! or send an email to:
ERROR!     [email protected]
ERROR! 
ERROR! OS: MacOS BigCat
ERROR! command "nodeapp" "/users/me/programs/npmcli"
ERROR! location /users/me
ERROR! nodeapp -v v6.8.24
ERROR! npmversion 2.1.45
details exit [ 1, true ]

I set up Node and NPM using a guide I found online, but I changed where I put the folders. My setup looks like this:

~/
    Software/
    Projects/
        nodeapp/   # node folder
        npmstuff/  # npm folder
    programs/  # where stuff usually goes

Can anyone help me figure out what’s wrong? I’ve tried looking online but can’t find a solution that works for me. Thanks!

Looking at your error message, I suspect the root cause is twofold: outdated software versions and a non-standard folder setup. First, update Node.js and NPM to the latest versions. You can do this via Homebrew or by downloading from nodejs.org. After updating, check if your custom directories are in your PATH by running ‘echo $PATH’ in terminal. If they’re not listed, you’ll need to add them. Also, verify your NPM config files (~/.npmrc, ~/.npmconfig) point to the correct locations. If issues persist, consider a clean install of Node and NPM. This approach usually resolves such errors while maintaining your project integrity.

I’ve encountered similar NPM issues before and from my experience the problem usually lies with both the custom folder setup and using older versions of Node and NPM. It helps to update both to the latest versions, perhaps using Homebrew or the installers directly from nodejs.org. Once updated, check your PATH by running echo $PATH in your terminal to confirm that your custom directories are included. If the issue persists, try reinstalling NPM. In some cases, reverting to a standard installation can avoid these complications, so back up your projects before making changes.

hey laura, looks like ur using old versions of node and npm. that might be the problem. try updating both to the latest versions. also, check if ur custom folders are in the PATH. u can do this by typing ‘echo $PATH’ in terminal. if they’re not there, add em. if nothing works, maybe try a clean install of node and npm. good luck!