I'm current 75% complete on converting a black iPhone 4 to white. I've replaced the front panel & LCD, back panel, and dock c...

It's basically a sticker. Just work slowly and carefully.

The new button does not require a new ribbon. The electronic switch is easily scrapped off the old and placed onto the new.

I recall four metal "fingers" on the speaker enclosure that is supposed to be related to signal reception. The fingers are supposed to be under the lip, not ontop of the board. I also know of that antenna connector close to the battery connector. Those are the only things I can think of that is antenna related.

Peculiar, I've taken my iPhone 4 apart with the utmost care and have not ever noticed that little rubber piece. Wonders if mine is there at all. -Shrug- my two cents.

The ribbon should be attached to a metal "button" which is stickies to the backside of the plastic button. The "button" should be sticky and a specific shape which the back of the plastic button has the same shape where the electronics sticks too. No glue was needed when I applied mine. Hopefully the ribbon isn't detached from the other component or else you'll need a new one. Hope my reply helps you.

I know of the little clip you speak of. I'm actually not sure of what it does but speculation says it could be something as simple as a ground or as amazing as a point of contact which turns the entire back piece into an antenna. I'm going out on a limb and say that it's probably just a ground. From your issue, it sounds like when you're sliding that back piece on it causes your phone to shut off. Have you ensured that the little metal piece is not making contact with another component it's not supposed to? Try taking the battery connector off and place the metal piece down first then reinstall the battery connector. If its installed properly, then some other components could be touching the metal back. Look for signs of scraps or marks that could indicate it. Anyways, I'm just making a suggestion. I hope you get your issue resolved.

I finally did it after giving up looking for a guide. I didn't create a break-down but I'll give a few pointers. Difficulty was moderate, must pay close attention to small details to complete properly. -Break down the phone so the battery, vibrator, and motherboard is out. -Start by gently prying on the bottom of the headphone jack until it comes out of it's space. Once the headphone jack is out, one should be able to easily discern the ribbons, where they are going and how to route the new ribbon cables. -Now that the headphone jack is out, proceed to remove the 5 screws holding down the silent switch as well as the volume keys. The volume keys have a plastic black sticky cover that can be reused which i would recommend doing. Also, take note of the metal cover over the silent switch mechanism. It can only be reassembled a certain way so pay attention to what your doing. -Since the ribbons and jack should be freed now, begin separating the metal pieces that must be reused on the new jack and ribbon. -Reassem...

I can tell you absolutely that there is no physical way that they can tell you've removed the back cover to void your warranty. Now, there is a little contact point that connects with the battery connector which I believe is nothing more than a ground. Though having never designed a phone before, I couldn't tell you if that contact point could possibly be a sensor to detect if you've removed the back cover which is then recorded in the system. I don't know, but really they can't tell.

Try going back to your telecom company and have them replace your sim card. That will typically remedy the issue.

It sounds like a peculiar software issue. A software restore should resolve the issue, if not, I think contacting Apple will be your best bet. I apologize for not being of more help.