Camera shutter stuck shut

Sorry but usually when the camera lens is forced shut, the gear mechanism will get out of sync. Usually even if it will open, you will receive a Lens Error

The best thing to do would be to send it into Sony to get repaired.

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/select-system.pl?DIRECTOR=CONTACT

This link will be of service to you.

Hi,
This is known problem of ccd imager chip failure in DSC-F717 camera and ccd imager chip will be replaced to get correct live view in camera mode to take fresh picture.

Sony offers free of cost ccd imager chip replacement till March 31, 2010
Click Sony CCD Imager Support for details.
Thanks.

It’s cheaper if you can DIY. You can find the button here: http://www.partstore.com/Part/Sony/Sony/X21774611/New.aspx
And here is a similar solution: How to replace the shutter button on SONY CyberShot DSC-H5 digital camera

It is a common problem on this model. You need to replace the control assembly to fix the problem. Here is a link to show you how to replace the assembly and where to get the part.

How to replace the shutter button on SONY CyberShot DSC-H5 digital camera

You can replace it DIY. Here is a link show you how to replace the button and where you can get the parts.
How to replace the shutter button on SONY CyberShot DSC-H5 digital camera

A family member had the same problem with the exact same model. She called Sony and after a lot of hassling, convinced them to take it back and repair it. However the problem re-occurred after another few weeks of use. If you do a Google search on that model you will find similar stories about glitches and bugs. I bought her a Cannon for her birthday. Not a great solution but I think you should look into a new unit. Make sure to recycle the old camera at a facility that takes e-waste. Please comment on this thread if you feel the need to.
Take Care,
-WN

CCD is DEAD

Well I have the same camera.
And mine won't turn on.
Suggestion dont trust this camera.
Or maybe it just can't hold that much memory.

Greetings CarolineV

I have the same camera, and bought it about 5 1/2 years ago. Last fall I went to an outing with my family and spilled a small amount of coca-cola on the top of my camera. I immediately whiped it off the top, but some of the liquid got under the on/off switch and almost glued it shut. I asked my brother-in-law (an electrical engineer) what I could use to clean it with and that would not short-out the electronics and he suggested lens cleaner from a quality camera shop (which is all alchol based and therefore not going to short-out the electronics)

After about a week of putting a couple of drops directly under the switch every time I used the camera, it finally stopped sticking and now works perfectly. Not sure what is causing your problem, but you may want to try the same treatment and see if it helps - it won't hurt the camera, etc.

Good Luck!

Mike C.