Cannot open MP4 file in Premiere Elelements 2023

[Willy7]

After moving a file to a different folder, I cannot open it in my project. The error message "Cannot link file' comes up and also says ' The selected file cannot be linked because its type (audio and video) does not match the original file type (video). The original file from a GoPro was video and audio, saved as an MP4 file. 

What needs be done to open the file in Premiere Elements?

Thanks

[Steve Grisetti]

Do you understand the difference between opening a project and adding a video to a project?

[Willy7]

Yes. I can open the project. I cannot add back in to the project the MP4 file that was in the project but that I moved to another folder. Thanks

[Bill Sprague]

Original video clips are never "in" a video editor.  Instead, they are linked to the project.   You can either put the clip back where it was or direct Premiere Elements to its new location.

[Willy7]

Thanks for the reply. During the step of directing Premiere Elements to the file's new location,  the error message comes up.  Before I moved the file it was linked to the project. Now when I try to link it, I get the error message. 

[Steve Grisetti]

What are the steps you're taking to relink it to its new location?

[Willy7]

Had success by copying the file and putting a copy back in the original folder location. I was then able to successful link to the MP4 file to the project. Interesting, I was then also able to link the MP4 file from the new folder location. Bottom line is I completed the project but still do not know why I could not move a MP4 to another folder and then link it to the project?  Thanks for responding. 

[Peru Bob]

Did you accidentally change the file name or extension?

[Willy7]

Thanks for responding. I checking and I did not change the file name.  But I was successful in copying the file back to the original folder and then linking it to the project. Not sure why it then worked?  Thanks