.avi file can't be imported, reported as generic error

Premiere does support avi but depends on the codec which you have not mentioned.

If the file was not supported you would have gotten a different error message.

Avi is just a wrapper, what codec is inside?

Also, to answer the question concerning the fact that you could import certain .avi files : 

"According to helpx.adobe, AVI is a native video format for import to Premiere Pro. But not all AVI files are supported. Only DV-AVI, Microsoft AVI Type-1 and Type-2 are supported."

You're welcome. I may not be up to date on this, but I rarely if ever use .avi files. I remember that at the time, the only solution was to convert to .mp4. It's a very well-known codec error, maybe a plugin now exist?

Sadly, I don't have any .avi files to try on my rig right now. Unless you find a workaround, check on YouTube and websites about video editing. I'm pretty sure it does need to be converted.  

Good luck!

Hi! Thanks for the reply! I did not have any issues importing .avi files on my previous device and it seems to work just fine on my client's end too. So I'm not sure where the problem really is.

Hey ! Sadly, you can't import .avi files on Adobe Premiere Pro. 

Fortunately, there's a way around all this. You'll need to convert your files to .mp4. Tons of videos on YouTube explains it all. 

Good luck !