Temperature was 39 degree C outside.
Are you still in Pakistan ?
the camera was so hot I had to bring it back rolled in tissues.
Could that have something to do with it?
I would certainly think so.
Dont advise me to take it to a canon repair centre.
In that cast throw it in the bin.
Alternatively, it could be a good candidate for trying to override the warning by using the firmware function 'funnel' mentioned some days ago.
http://chdk.setepontos.com/index.php?topic=6725.msg71339#msg71339
Of course, that could destroy the functioning of the camera.
the camera does take photos fine
Might the sun have blown the sensor?

Maybe it will recover when you bring it back to the UK.
Yes I'm still in Pakistan, temperature that day must be at least 37 degrees and the aluminum body on the camera would have hiked it up to 45 at least, way past the 40 degrees recommended.
The camera shuts off in around 45 seconds with E32 error, even if left untouched. Note that this does NOT happen if in playback mode.
I carefully cleaned the lens casing, there was nothing stuck there. It is certainly NOT a lens error. I mimicked a lens error by blocking its path during extension, in that case it would give a lens error. This is something else.
@MICROFUNGUY,
The function by funnel you mentioned, can you integrate it for me? If it works I'll go so far as to say I'm even willing to pay you for it.
Sending it to a canon repair centre in Karachi from Islamabad would cost me loads, more than twice the cost of the camera itself. Coming back to UK right now is not an option, I have to remain here for next 2 months due to work.
The camera has not suffered any physical damage by dropping or by getting exposed to a lot of dust. I'm sure its not a lens related issue. Please look into it mate it'll mean a lot to me.