Import Metadata tool crashes when importing the metadata for a map document

Description

The Import Metadata tool crashes if the metadata XML file does not exist for the map document (mxd) that the metadata is to be imported to.

Cause

The cause of this behavior is unknown at this time.

Workaround

1. In ArcCatalog (not the Catalog window in ArcMap), select the map document and click the Description tab.
   
   
   
2. Click Edit and Save.
   
   This action creates an XML document for the map document. The XML component of this map document can be seen from Windows Explorer.
   
3. Run the Metadata Importer tool in the ArcToolbox > Conversion Tools > Metadata toolset using the same Source and Target Metadata.