"A meta data file (.meta) exists but its asset can't be found."

The package manager started throwing these errors recently:

I get about 45 of them for the default package set in my project. They happen whenever the AssetDatabase refreshes (focusing the editor, entering playmode, compiling, etc.), so they're really polluting the console window.

Also, Window > Package Manager is missing.

I tried:

• Help > Reset package to defaults
• Reimport all
• Delete Library folder
• Delete Packages folder

In various orders and combinations, to no avail.

What should I do now?

Running OSX and Unity 2018.4.2f1.

 

Note: the path these warnings complain about seems to be wrong, like if the string parsing got confused.

For example:

Packages/com.unity.textmeshpro.1/package.json

Is not a valid package folder. It should be:

Packages/com.unity.textmeshpro@1.4.1/package.json

 

Here! Looks pretty OK to me, as I said I used the reset to defaults menu entry.

 

Clearing the global package cache seems to have fixed it, thanks!

 

Hi @maximeb_unity , seems I spoke too fast.

The error is back. I tried:

• Updating to Unity 2018.4.9
• Clearing the local package cache
• Clearing the global package cache
• Clearing the Library folder

To no avail.

The errors are similar, seemingly broken paths, like:

A meta data file (.meta) exists but its asset 'Packages/com.unity.package-manager-ui.7/Third Party Notices.md' can't be found. When moving or deleting files outside of Unity, please ensure that the corresponding .meta file is moved or deleted along with it.

Package manager window is gone again.
It really seems like Unity has a bug reading the paths. Has this been reported anywhere, is it a known issue?

 

Hi Maxime, thanks for the quick reply.

It's very likely because of the non-ASCII characters.

The project is called "été" and the folder has that name. Renaming the project folder to "ete" fixed the issue, so I can confirm it's still a bug in 2018.4.9f1 at least!

Thanks for your help!

 

@maximeb_unity
Excuse me. I also seem to have a problem with this. I recently downloaded a project from this link (https://blogs.unity3d.com/2020/11/2...ed-tutorials-and-our-sample-project-warriors/)
[The Prototype Series: Controlling a Spaceship].

I extracted the Project and opened it in Unity Hub. I had to change the Unity version of the project.
However, when I opened the example scene and run it, it asked to fix compile errors before enterring play mode and the console showed:
------------------
A meta data file (.meta) exists but its asset 'Packages/com.unity.terrain-tools/Shaders/NoiseLib/FBM' can't be found. When moving or deleting files outside of Unity, please ensure that the corresponding .meta file is moved or deleted along with it.
Couldn't delete Packages/com.unity.terrain-tools/Shaders/NoiseLib/FBM.meta because it's in an immutable folder.
----------------------

I am quite new to unity and have had only two weeks experience. I wanted to learn the new input system and this project seemed a cool one to start. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you

 

What version of the editor are you opening the package in?

 

@UnityMaru ,
I am using Unity 2019.4.18 in Ubuntu 20.04 system.

Thanks a lot for reaching out by the way.

 

No worries. Apologies for the delay in reply for this one...

I spoke to the team for you who advise that your issue is not quite exactly the same as the original posters.

Could you please report this as a bug via the process outlined in the link below and provide me with the bug report number so I can chase this up internally?

https://unity3d.com/unity/qa/bug-reporting

 

//continues
"Could you please report this as a bug via the process outlined in the link below and provide me with the bug report number so I can chase this up internally?"

 

Спасибо, друг, в 22м году еще актуально.