Rear door handle problems

I've just had my left rear door from my 2001 Jetta painted and the door handle was removed. Unfortunately, the "C" shaped locking ring which holds the rear portion behind the grab handle came out of place. There is a bolt which is accessed behind the weather seal when the door is open. I believe this bolt somehow moves the locking ring. The copy of the manual I looked at notes that the locking ring may come out if the bolt is turned to far, but it doesn't say how to reinstall. Unfortunately, this is what happened to me. After many hours of trying to get it back on the inside and lined up, I have gotten nowhere. Does anybody know what the trick is to putting this back together?
I've removed the door panel, but did not remove the inner door carrier. It looks rather precarious to remove the inner panel and it doesn't open up the area behind the door handle anyway.