Josh, this is the link to your manual if you don’t have one.

http://www.sony.jp/products/di-world...2_DSC-F717.pdf

“Well I decided to take a picture with the lens cap on and that seemed to fix my problem with that.”

Not necessarily, you could also have corrupt file(s) or setting(s) that are locking up the lens, try this before the memory card suggestion below.

Note: If you have any custom programming copy it to paper before proceeding (I don’t know the camera, and I don’t know if it can be programmed)…


With the camera “off” turn your camera mode selection switch to auto and the lens selection switch to auto then RESET the camera to its factory defaults. Do this by opening the battery/memory cover and push the small button on the lower left corner of the opening with an open paper clip or something with a fine point.

Next: Garbage in, garbage out – an old saying in electronics, check your battery voltage. If your voltage is running low or it doesn’t have/hold enough power for the camera it can play havoc.

Also if you had a diagnostic screen popup (sounds like you did) check out Sony’s troubleshooting recommendations (rear of the manual) to clear them.

Memory: First check to see if there is anything lodged in them memory stick slot prohibiting good contact. If its clear and the reset took reformat the card with the refreshed factory settings.

Good luck,

Tom

P.S. Try George’s fix first for your memory, it’s far easier than starting from scratch…