Lens error When I power on my camera, it VIVITAR comes on the screen, then it says lens error and turns off

This video illustrates troubleshooting steps for a lens error:

Here are some troubleshooting steps that you can try that may (or may not) correct your problem. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty (or repair cost approaches that of the camera), they're worth that try. Some of the later steps do involve some risk to the camera, so carefully weigh your options before deciding to conduct them:

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.

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 ...

Here's some things that you can do to try to correct it. They only seem to work for less than 50% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty, they're worth a try.

Hi there.
Face the camera towards the floor and firmly tap the back of the camera while turning it on, this should hopefully free the lens so it can open, make sure that the batteries are fully charged or at least new.

Good luck and thamks for using FixYa!!

Try the procedures in this tip.

vivitar vivicam 8300s lens does not come out when turned on. I also get an ERROR 2 message. Please help. I am only able to view pictures.

The lens mechanism is damaged.Replace lens assy.

I have the same camera, but not the error message. My lens occasionally will get "stuck" out. I have found that removing the battery for a few minutes then re-installing it will "reset" the camera and the lens will retract when the power button is pressed. This "fix" does not always work.
A call to Vivitar only results in the suggestion that you send it in for repair.

This is probably THE most common failure among digital cameras. There's a halfway chance of fixing it yourself, described here: http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html