Thanks for the tip. I removed the front cover (best to remove all 8 screws, theres one behind the pc/av plug) at approx 5 o'clock position from the lens looking from the front, theres a motor (chrome about quarter inch dia) a backed off the small screw in the centre and got it to work. Bit of a fiddle but it appears to be working OK. Thanks again.

Sorry maybe I was not clear, the camera is OK when connect to the computer. The fault developed after I disconnected from the computer. Now I cannot take any photos cause when I switch "on" it states the batteries are depleted and switches off by itself. Tried various types of batteries and still the same. I was thinking maybe something to do with Vista system corrupting the software with-in the camera??? Maybe just coincidence???

My Optio S40 has developed a fault after connecting to my new computer running vista.
The fault is that when you turn it on the lens comes out and then its states that the bettery is depleted and turns itself off, this happens with new batteries also.
This may or maynot have anything to do with vista.
Has anybody come across this fault.
Thank You.