Flash How can I force the Canon S3IS built in flash to fire every time I take a photo? When I have backlight it will not fire in the auto mode. My old Kodak digital had an easily set option but I can't work out how to do it this camera. Thanks

The Nikon Coolpix is a compact digital camera that is well-suited for amateur to semi-professional photographers. Occasionally, some issues with the built-in flash can occur. If the hardware is damaged, the camera must be taken in for repairs. More often, problems occur because of obstructions or issues with the camera's settings and are easily repairable. Follow the troubleshooting guide to fix the built-in flash.

Instructions:
1.Ensure the Nikon Coolpix digital camera battery is fully charged.
2.Wait several seconds before pressing the shutter-release button if the "Flash Ready" indicator light is flashing red. Press the "Flash Mode" button once or twice to change the flash settings from "Off" to "On" or "Auto" if the "Flash Ready" indicator light is off.
3.Ensure there are no obstructions, like your finger or the camera strap, that are preventing the flash from firing if an error message appears on the display screen and the flash is not firing when the flash mode is set to automatic.
4.Press the flash back into the camera after every photo to ensure the flash always fires in "Auto" mode instead of just in low illumination settings. Press the flash back into the camera to turn off the flash in "Manual" mode; otherwise the flash will continually fire.
5.Change the auto focus setting from "Infinity" to "Auto," "Macro Closeup" or "Self-Timer" by pressing the "Focus Mode" button once, twice or three times to automatically turn the flash back on.
6.Use only Nikon external flash accessories to avoid damage to the built-in flash and camera circuits.

I hope you find it very helpful. Thanks.

In auto mode, the flash works only if it is necessary. You are saying that the flsah doesn't work in auto mode, and I assume that in other modes it's working properly. That means there is nothing wrong with the flash. So don't worry about the flash, it will fire in necessary, in full auto mode.

It may be sensing enough light at your location so the flash does not fire. If you want to force it to fire, make sure the flash icon is selected and also use Auto mode to test

keep the camera to M mode &flash to on mode

On an SLR camera such as yours, all you have to do is flip up the flash...it will fire when you snap the picture.

If you are shooting using AUTO mode, maybe the settings were changed to a manual modes. If so, check for settings. Flash fires automatically only in AUTO. On manual modes you must force the flash to fire.

I assume that flash is turned on. 430ex flash will fire automatically only in AUTO mode. On manual modes you mus manually force the flash to fire.
If flash doesn't fire at all, consider to claim the vendor or let the vendor to check the flash mounted on your camera.

you can only set the flash AUTO and OFF on Auto shooting mode, but you can force the flash on on Manual mode.
see page 222 on your manual.

In Auto mode the flash will only fire when the camera thinks it needs it.

Only in the PASM modes do you get to decide whether to use the flash or not.

You will need to send the camera for servicing. There's a lever mechanism inside the flash unit which is responsible for popping up the flash. Since it is a mechanical device, it is sometimes prone to failure. I suggest not to put manual pressure to force the flash to come out, as it may cause permanent damage. Instead, send the camera for service.