(Error) Error code Trying to copy from a source that does not exist

When programming with node.js, you may encounter the “Error: The npm task detection didn’t contribute a task for the following configuration” error.

Error: The npm task detection didn't contribute a task for the following configuration

There are several possible causes for this error, but in many cases, node.js is installed in multiple locations and causing conflicts.

For example, you’ve installed node.js with nodist on Windows, but then additionally installed nodejs (node.js) and npm with chocolatey. In such cases, for example, software that needs or references installed npm packages, such as VS Code, references chocolatey, but the packages actually installed with the “npm install” command are in the nodist destination, making them unreferenceable.

Normally, npm package installation would go to choco if using choco, but some exceptions, such as “yeoman”, prioritize nodist due to path and path priority relationships. Because this error occurs due to such causes, if the cause is unclear even after consideration, I recommend trying a fresh installation in a clean environment such as a virtual environment or a different PC.