Canon E18 Error, Solution!

I was the victim of the dreaded E18 Canon error about two years ago. Canon offered no help, so I put it away in it's box and bought a new camera.

Two days ago I accidently ran into a thread about this error, someone posted a solution! They go by the username: phs01, here is the thread found on cnet's forum.

The best thing is I tried it and it actually worked!!! I was so happy and felt I should keep spreading the love, so I gave the camera to my younger brother. He was ecstatic because he didn't have one. I want everyone to know about this solution, so I'm reposting it below, hopefully everyone looking for a solution will find it:

E18 quick fix
by phs01 - 3/23/05 5:40 AM
In reply to: Canon E18 by lilaruth
I'm sure that every1 looking at this right now would love to be able to do a quick fix for the dreaded E18 error. Well, I have fixed mine several time in less time that it takes to take a picture. So here it is: This error occurs when the lens is "stuck" or not extending "straight". The error can happen in 3 ways: either when the lens wont "come out", or "comes out" and then retracts, or does not retract at all. Mine did all of these at one stage or another.
1) If the lens doesn't extend at all or it extends, but then retracts again, do as follow: Turn the camera off. Place the camera on it's back with the lens facing up and have a look at the "spacing" between the lens and the lens housing. You'll probably notice that the gap is NOT EVEN all the way around. To fix this, simply -VERY GENTLY- press down on the side where the gap is the biggest. You will hear a "click" as it pops back in place. Try powering it back on.
2) If the lens is extended all the time and won't retarct at all, do as follow: Turn the camera off. Take the camera in one hand and with the other gently, in turn, take the two part of the lens and gently move it round in a cuirclar movement. Do so with both sections of the lens. You will once again hear a little "click" as it pops back in place. Power the camera on.
This has worked for me many times and it seems to happen when the camera has been carried around and possible had a little knock. I hope this is of help to someone else.