My son dropped our Canon Powershot SD 1400 IS. The lens was stuck out. Managed to figure out how to fix that and get the lens back in, but it now does not focus properly. It will only focus properly if I don't zoom out at all. If I zoom out even the tiniest bit then it won't focus properly. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

You may have gotten dirt or dust into the lens mechanism. Sometimes an air cleaner can help the situation.

Make sure that the battery is charged fully. It may not have enough power to operate the lens on startup. If the battery is charged fully, and it keeps doing this, take back the camera tomorrow to the store that you bought it from.
For others reading this, that did NOT just receive a brand new camera that you can take back to the store. Lens errors are fairly common. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended ... Unfortunately, many cameras that fall prey to this can only be corrected by professional repair. But, here are some things that you can do that may correct it. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty, they're worth a try. (jillmur3, don't try these. take yours back to the store)

That is a problem you will need to go to fix at a Canon store or local camera store. It shouldn't cost more than $20.

Try these procedures.

lens circuit got crack replace it

E18 is a lens error. My guess would be sand got into your lens (into the gears, etc.). These guys should be able to take care of you. http://www.darntoothysam.com/servlet/the-1730/Canon-Powershot-SD550-Camera/Detail

The a70 drops a screw in to the mechanism.

you will need to take the unit apart carefully as it is intricate.

I used a web site to show me but have lost the link.

try looking for cannon A70 problems / erors Etc.

probably the lens inside is damaged or the mechanism which moves the lens is damaged. Focus works with a moving mechanism which moves the lens back and forth.

Press the power button on and hold it down while extending and twisting the telescopic zoom lens. It might fix your problem. In any case it could not make it worse Good luck!