"The importer reported a generic error"

[Nathanjrb]

Whilst this is a useful error message, it still hasn't helped me resolve the issue.

I currently have 5 sequences, all containing the same file type - but when I load the premiere pro file it asks me the location of two of the files, both in seperate sequences - all the other files are located just fine. I pointed the "Where's this file..." process in the right direction and on two of the files (the two missing ones)  I got the above error message. Why? How can I fix it?

The file types are .MTS.

I did start the project in CS5.5 and then when I got CS6 I opened it up in that, and it converted everything just fine. It's only when I've re-opened the project the next day I got this problem. Could this be the reason? But why only two of the files and not the rest?

Thanks in advance for your responses!

[harnasky]

pls i am using adobe cs6 and i have been trying to import a video file from a camera and the file extension is .M2T and adobe is showing me generic error.

i have changed the extension to .mov, .mp4, .avi e.t.c still no progress and i even tried changing the file location and import it again still the same error.

i also uninstalled the app and reinstalled but no progress... please anyone who has a lasting or appropriate should reply ASAP... pls

[larsfran]

What works for me is using e.g. Handbrake to convert with constant framerate. Then Premiere Elements has no problems importing my .m4v-files.

[raulg83793787]

Same problem with a SRT (subtitle file). Many weeks working correctly on my project, and suddenly, the error message appears.

SOLUTION: Delete the XML file that Premiere generates automatically beside my SRT file (in the same folder, with the same name).

After that, all runs ok, the SRT file is fine imported.

[Guest]

Had this issue when relinking offline media (r3d file).

Solved by uninstalling Premiere (and selecting option to remove preferences) and reinstalling. I deleted all cache and previews beforehand although that alone did not solve the issue for me. It was the reinstall that worked.

[ReadySetToast]

GOT A FIX.

First I MUST rant.

First off, I want to say that its super Sh*tty to see that consumers are finding resolutions rather than staff.

DIRECTORS and HUGE movie producers use this program, i can't seem to wrap my head around why this program has SO many issues and errors. My computer is more than enough to handle this program. It's far from a hardware issue. It's just...faulty, which is disappointing. (just want staff to read this lol).

ONTO THE FIX:

Straight up, super easy.

step 1: Right click on clip in timeline.

step 2: Select "Render and Replace..."

step 3: Select the format you want to use.

step 4: Use dynamic link.

DONE.

Fixed my issue. 

[Lee James]

I had this problem and solved it.

After a lot of testing, I discovered that the error went away if I reduced the filesize of the image.

The image I was trying to import was an 18 meg Photoshop file (2500 x 2500 pixels). I tried saving it as a 3 meg PNG file, which worked. I also tried halving the resolution, which worked.

So filesize seems to be key. I guess we need to work around this problem by compressing high res files, or reducing resolution if possible.

[macsmithscurry]

Adobe fix your stupid apps! Going back to 2017

[Westy HJ]

This might not work for everyone but it worked for me.

I'd been trying everything, including having my usually very helpful IT department guys, rebooting, looking at task finder, linking via another drive, cleared the media cache, etc etc. for a couple of hours.

In the end it was as simple as changing the file extension (in my case .MP4) from upper case to lower case (.mp4)

I blew my own mind and the IT guys' as well!

Such a painful error with no explanation.

I hope this works for other people!

If you have numerous files that have the issue use the 'Batch rename' option from the Tools menu in Adobe Bridge to change the extension to lowercase.

Under 'New Filenames'

Current Filename - Name - Original Case +

Current Filename - Extension - lowercase

If you haven't used 'Batch Rename' before and concerned you'll F up all your file names, go to preview and 'Export to CSV' before you click 'Rename' button.

At least then if you somehow rename files wrong, you can trace back to the filenames they were beforehand.

BACKSTORY:

My situation: Working on Adobe Premiere Projects between my personal Macbook and new PC at work.

I had all the original media and project on an external drive (Note: the project still worked when plugged into the PC)

I copied all the media to the PC internal drive for faster workflow and a backup of the original files.

When opening the project directly form the PC  internal drive and attempting to relink the offline media - the dreaded message "The importer reported a generic error' appeared.

So we plugged the external drive back in to the PC - the files linked up without an issue - weird!

They were an exact copy including file structure.

We closed project, rebooted, ejected external drive. Tried again via PC internal drive - same message - "The importer reported...'

Note: We also cleared the media cache - another suggestion we'd found.

After hours of dicking around and looking through forums I tried the above and was amazed it worked.

This might just be a Mac>PC thing but hopefully it works for others.

After going through the different replies I feel like you just have to rename the file in some way.
At least when it's just the extension change the file can still be found under the 'show exact name only'  tickbox.

(Maybe if the extension is already lowercase change it to UPPERCASE)

Good luck!

[ErezM]

Hi there everybody,

SOLVED VERY SIMPLY.

I also encountered this same problem... many times and with lots of files. Basically, all you need to do is let Premiere search for the files again. if what works for you is to rename the file extension then go for it, if you want to move the files to a new folder that's fine, I just changed the Drive letter (Disk management in windows) and let Premiere locate all the footage once more. Everything relinked just fine, NO "importer reported generic error" thing and nothing to do with QuickTime and codecs. DON'T convert your files or uninstall and reinstall anything, I did that and wasted my time.

Cheers.

[SSocki]

The Horror!

I also suggest not converting files for the MAC. I almost destroyed my film project trying to re-import files. I had to return to an older saved version and rework it. Still getting those horrid error messages!

[mikes39699659]

I purchased the Iphone 11, and premiere elements 14 is giving me the "importer generic error" code and not accepting the video clips......can anyone help