Unusual boxster door problem

[deanym]

I'm new to the forum, so I'm hoping for some friendly advice for perhaps a topic that has been discussed before, but I couldn't find.

When I use the keyfob to open my 2001 Boxster 3.2S, the passenger door does not unlock and cannot be opened with either the interior nor exterior handles.

I manage to remove the door card with the door closed, but was completely unable to open the latch. The opening cables seem to function fine. But the action is exactly as when the door is locked, so there is something stopping the actuation taking place.

I thought there may have been a way to spring the lock with the panel off, but due to the door latch/pawl interaction being hidden if the door is closed, I cannot find a way to get the door opened.

Does anyone know if there is a way of opening the door with the panel off, even if the cable mechs work fine but can't trigger the unlock of the lock (if that makes sense

I'm confident of replacing the mechanism once the door is opened, but I just cannot get to that point!

I need to get this fixed as I won't take my daughter in the car until I know the door will safely open in the event of any accident