Tamara,

What applications/programs do you have open when using Pinnacle?  What type of input box or media are you using with Importer?

When I import I have found the best success when I shut off everything that is not necessary.  I use msconfig.exe to prevent loading of Start items, shut down my local network and Internet, disconnect any USB devices that I am not using, etc.  This may be overkill, but I don't like believing that for 6 hours I am importing a VCR tape and it turns out that nothing is there or is 'garbage'.