I checked with older versions, adding an mxf file takes just 2-3 seconds. I have no idea if it would help, but just in case I copied the contents of the console log below. I've made a lot of tests with different mxf files (1080i, 8-18 minutes duration, 3GB-8GB approx.) in different locations, but I always get the same behaviour.
Sometimes, even if I select a function after the hourglass disappears, it needs even more time before I press the 'Start' button, otherwise the process might fail again. If I try to start a function (either by selecting from the menu, or from the ones I have made) before the hourglass disappears, the process always fails.
When I add an HD mxf file, SE takes 1-2 minutes to scan it (the hourglass icon is being displayed all that time).
With versions 17.7 and 17.8, I've noticed the following:
I've been using SE portable to convert mxf files to mp4, for a few years.
