How to fix com.android.builder.internal.aapt.AaptException: Failed to crunch file?

Question

I have the latest version of Android Studio (as of Sep 21, 2016). When I create a brand new project in Android Studio and try to build it, I am getting this build error:

Answer 1

I faced this problem when trying to generate an unsigned apk using Gradle in Android Studio IDE 3.0

I solved it by creating a fresh new project and copied each file with the slightest amendment needed e.g. changing the package name, but I left the icons as they are thus I haven't added a new icon in several files like I did in the previous project.

And the problem was solved, it builds with no such error. (However the generated apk file wasn't found in app\build\outputs\apk but inside app\build\outputs\apk\debug, but that's another problem which is not so important I hope).