iPhone 4s disabled after removing batt. , network "Searching"

Hi,

My iPhone 4s is disabled after removing the battery (during screen replacement) with the "try again in 24,, minutes" message.

I've read posts that say you simply need to insert your SIM card to update the internal clock and you should then be able to use your pin code to unlock, however I can't connect to my cellular/mobile network - it just constantly says searching, so the internal clock won't update.

It may be that I didn't fully connect the antenna cable properly when reassembling however I'm pretty sure I clipped it back into place fully. Unfortunately the external screws seem to be stripped now so I can't get back into the internals to check.

Is there any way I can get access to my phone without a full restore? I'm desperate to get my contacts and photos as unfortunately nothing on my phone is backed up to the cloud (yes I'm an idiot for not doing this).

Any help greatly appreciated! Cheers.