I would suggest NOT to roll down the window. What usually happens is there is a small plastic clip on the outside handle that will break allowing the connecting rod to fall off. If you open the window it can catch this rod and bend and break it causing more problems. The good news is that if it is just the clip, it can be replaced pretty cheaply (only a couple bucks) if the rod breaks you could be into it for hundreds.
To get the panel off there are 2 screws near the front of the door, 2 screws under the arm rest, about 4 screws across the bottom and 1 hidden under a removable plate under the inside door handle (this one got me the first time) Then just pull the panel off.
Good luck.