Lens Error! The lens protector wont close all the way. And when I turn it on, it comes out but closes back immediately and says lens error.

In My case, the lens was coming out part way a start up and pulling back in without camera coming on. Some times the screen would stay a dark blue and could not be shut off. Ensure batteries are new or remove and replace existing. Lens will come out part way and retract when the battery door is opoened and closed. Press "on" button and as the lens comes out touch and hold the lens, with a finger placing pressure on the side of the lens. The lens will stay out. With camera upside down blow into the sliding mechanisms of the lens. Grip the furthest most extened lens with two fingers and pull the lens all the way out with steading pressure. The pressure should be equivalent to lifting one to two pounds of bread with two fingers. Perform this with the camera upside down so that any dirt particles can fall out. A slight rocking (side to side motion) of the lens may help. Once fully extended, open and close the battery door. The lens should retract. Turn on the camera. A couple of ideas relatd to this problem 1) If the concentric circles of the lens are not even, this could indicate a large grain of sand. After lens is extended or partialy extended push the lens on the side where the largest gap is while the camera is upside down. This may provide a larger gap for the grain to fall out. 2) Dirty camera case. I turned my camera case upside down over a piece of white paper and was amazed at the particles of sand that fell out. I turned the case inside out and completely brushed and vacuumed the case.