Frame Substitution Error & Drive Inaccessibility After Rendering in Premiere Pro

[OVERSEAS]

After updating Windows 10 to the latest version (currently on Version [Insert Version Number, e.g., 21H2]), I encountered a persistent "Frame substitution recursion attempt aborting after multiple attempts" error while rendering my project in Adobe Premiere Pro. Following this error, my NVMe drive became inaccessible until a system restart. This issue has occurred consistently, disrupting my workflow, and I've tried several troubleshooting steps without success.

I also have a DMP file from the crash and can provide it if it helps in debugging this issue.

Steps to Reproduce:

1. Open the project in Premiere Pro (version [Insert Premiere Pro Version here]).
2. Start rendering a sequence.
3. After approximately 1 hour, I receive the "Frame substitution recursion attempt" error.
4. Following the error, my NVMe drive becomes inaccessible and requires a system restart to be detected again.

Troubleshooting Attempts:

• Cleared Media Cache and Preview Files.
• Checked the health of the NVMe drive (98% health).
• Confirmed that the issue persists with various project files and media types.
• Set the Renderer to Software Only as a temporary measure.

System Specs:

• Operating System: Windows 10 Version 21H2
• Adobe Premiere Pro Version: Premiere Pro 2025 Version 24.1 
• Drive Type: NVMe SSD (98% health confirmed)
• Graphics Card: RTX 4070Ti
• RAM: 64GB DDR4

Request for Help:

• Any advice on resolving the "Frame substitution" error?
• Has anyone encountered drive inaccessibility tied to Premiere Pro rendering errors?

Thank you for your help!

[jamieclarke]

Hi @OVERSEAS - We have made huge improvements related to MXF files in Premiere Pro version 25.  Can you please update from version 24.1 and let us know if you are still having issues.

[OVERSEAS]

Updated to version 25 and still the same.

[jamieclarke]

Can you provide your exact version you can find this in the help menu under About Premiere Pro.  Can you post a screenshot of the error you are receiving?

[OVERSEAS]

[OVERSEAS]

The file on my NVMe drive disappears as soon as I begin rendering in Premiere Pro. As long as I haven't started the rendering process, the file is accessible and appears normally on the drive. However, once the render begins, the file becomes inaccessible, and the drive itself is no longer recognized until I restart the system.

[jamieclarke]

Hi @OVERSEAS - If you move that .png file to your local hard drive and relink it, do you still receive the error?  Can you make sure that you have read/write permissions set for the drive?

[OVERSEAS]

Hi Jamie,

I’ve already tried that. It could be related to the PNG files or the MOV videos within the project. The entire project is on the same drive, and I’ve also moved it to other drives, but the error persists.

This has never happened to me before, and I use the same files regularly (it’s a template I created a year ago and use every month).

Any further insights would be appreciated!

[OVERSEAS]

I’ve been struggling with this issue for two days now, and it seems like there’s no solution in sight. I can render each of the sub-sequences individually without any problems, but as soon as I try to render the full 47-minute project, the errors start appearing.

[jamieclarke]

Can you email the dmp file to jamiec@adobe.com. I will check with the team.

[OVERSEAS]

Sent.
Thank you!

[jamieclarke]

Hi @OVERSEAS - Are you using the crop feature?

[OVERSEAS]

No actually, why?

[jamieclarke]

Hi @OVERSEAS - I just heard from the team they say there is a potential fix in beta 25.1 build 59  Can you try this out and let us know if this helps your issue?

[Claire H.]

Updating status of this bug.

[jamieclarke]

Hi @OVERSEAS - It seems as though we have made some updates in beta for a potential fix that may help you.  Can you try installing the beta version of Premiere Pro 25.2 and see if that helps your issue?

[OVERSEAS · Accepted solution]

I managed to solve the problem, the problem was (NEST) files too heavy. All the elements that needed to be rendered - I rendered them in After Effects and put them into Premiere and then it was able to render it. Without downloading BETA or anything else.

Thank you anyways!

[jamieclarke]

Hi @OVERSEAS - I'm glad your problem is solved. Let us know if you have any more issues.