Disclaimer: The statements made here are far to vague to allow a novice to dis-and reassemble such a digital camera. Moreover, the risk of an high-voltage electric shock is existent during disassembly. I take no responsibility for any harm you do to yourself or the device by following any hints given in this post. Read the full post carefully.
As probaby a lot of people who use to carry their compact digital cameras around with them, to places the engineers of that device probably never dreamt about (e.g. a beach), I came onto this error a couple of times. Usually, shaking or slightly hitting the camera worked best to resolve any sand-related problems.
Today, though, my camera wouldn’t start with exactly the same error message. This time though there was no much motor sound audible at all from the zoom lens drivers. I used the fabulous guide available here to start off the disassembly of my camera.
The disassembled ixus 870, note that the top button board is still on the camera, but should be removed before removing the flash component
Generally this description, removing the flash component to get onto the zoom gears worked fine. Its wise to use proper x- shape – screwdrivers for this as the camera is assembled tightly. Furthermore care for a couple of extra-screws not mentioned in the manual above. Moreover be CAREFULwith the flash condenser. It is not only wise, but anyone with the interest in his/her own health or a slight interest in fireworks should discharge the flash condenser with a PROPERLY INSULATED bridge or even better:resistor, in order to avoid any unplanned dangerous electric shock. The condenser’s connections are reachable when the front and back-panels are removed.
When removing and reassembling the flash device, carefully open the flash connector located under the top button-panel of the camera by removing the button-panel first.
Flash Connector and disassembled button board
In my case, the removal of the flash device was not necessary at all, as the motor itself was stuck (hence no turning sounds). Good luck with your work, and please let me know if this was helpful to you!