The camcorder does not operate even when the power is set to on

Try
mauritron2.com
They have a good range of
Technical Repair Service Manuals
and
Owners User Instructions Operating Guides

I've used them in the past with good results.
They even managed to get a guide for me which was not shown on their site

Boxes can be a pain. Do you have a Video or Av button on the box that you can try and press.

Sounds like TV is set up Ok otherwise the guide image would not go on the screen. My mother in Laws digital box often gives me curry. (first thing to advise - never buy mother in law technology - the old bag will call your cell phone at all hours to figure out why it isnt working - second words of advise - never give mother in law cell phone number)

First thing to do simply unplug the bloody thing from the power socket to reset it.

Failing this It is often the video mode outputs on the box that are not set up properly. Even though the startup image and guide comes on unless the correct video image output is set up properly you will not be able to view the TV.

Make sure it is not plugged into your computer. If you have the camcorder plugged in via your USB connection, then your camcorder is being powered by your computer.

Unplug everything from your camcorder and then try to turn it off or take the battery out.

Please check whether the Camcorder is fully charged. Then, try resetting the Camcorder to the factory settings. Try Power resetting the Camcorder.
To Power reset the Camcorder, remove the battery of the Camcorder press the ON button(if switch, then keep the switch in ON position) for 30 seconds and reinsert the battery in 1 minute. Then, check the operation of the Camcorder.
If the issue still persists, then service will be required. It seems to be an issue with the CCD of the Camcorder.

This is a simple case of the Bat going dead, it does look from what I read that the Sony batteries do not seem to stand up long these days, I am hearing of this daily on the Mini Cameras, where my old faithful 8mm camera bat is 8 years old and as good as new.

C:31:42 shows following error..
FG fault during normal drum operations.
Its related to drum assembly (video head) in camcorder and possible reason can be drum stuck with some thing, no power to drum motor etc.

I'm not sure if you'd already tried this...but I hope this helps.

The camcorder can only finalize a disc if it is powered by the AC power adapter....according to p.61 of the users manual, the (finalize) operation cannot be started if the camcorder is powered only with the battery pack.

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does the unit display what it's pointed at on its display screen or on the viewfinder? if the unit will play a disk but not record the problem may be in the lense or the video sensor. Check if the autofocus operates by running your hand across the front of the unit. if the autofocus knob or lever doesn't turn it may be the power. otherwise it may not operate with -R but only with +R disks?

The FORM that you have to be on has to be VR not VIDEO. But the bad thing is on VR you cant finalize and play it as a DVD only on the computer, unlike what you can do on VIDEO.