Don't go bending things up. Use a good lube on the part that is out. Anything from silicone grease to chassis lube to cooking oil to shortening. Make it slick. Take that plastic putty knife and try it but don't be surprised if you have to use something stronger such as a good sized screw driver. Start at one end of the area that is out and start forcing the awning and bead rope in to the slot. This does not always go well and is hard to do. If all else fails drill a 5/16" hole in the bead rope track. Frequently this small area of relief will help start the bead rope back into place. If that works, do the same thing at the other end to hopefully assist in getting the bead rope in from one or both places.