Can't import video files - Elements 2018

[chfraarhus]

Suddenly, I can't add my videofiles (MP4) into my project. I have used the files before with no problems, but now it says "the importer reported a generic error". I use Premiere Elements 2018.

Anyone who could help, please?

/Christian

[Ann Bens]

The file is already in the project. You need to relink hence the red screen.

[Bill Sprague]

Don't move or delete your source files until the project is fully complete.   They are not "in" the project.  They are only linked to the project.   If you need to store the project for later work, the Archive funtions are there to help with that. 

As Ann says, you need to relink them.   You can do that by putting them back where they were or tell Premiere Elements where you put them.  If you fully deleted them, you have no options. 

[chfraarhus]

Hi Ann and Bill,

Thanks for your answers. Actually, I have the files in my folder and I can play the with no problems in Windows Media Player. But when I try to import/relink them to my project in Premiere Elements I get the error message. 

I made my project for a year ago with no problems and now I have to edit it - and suddenly I can't relink/import ...

[Steve Grisetti]

If the screen capture you're showing in your original post shows what happens when you try to add a file, then Bill and Ann are correct. You do not have a link to a file. You have a broken link.

I assume your MP4s are on your hard drive. As an experiment, place one of those MP4s on your desktop, open a new project and use Add Media to add it to this new project. Are you still getting this error?

[Ann Bens]

[Ann Bens]

You are importing the clip instead of relinking.

Relinking is done by double clicking on the file in the Project Assets.

A window will open telling you: Where is file xxx

Find your file on the hdd and select.