a big thanks to JDW for such a thorough reply. just to be clear i am *not* that dexterous with a soldering tool. in fact, this whole process of cap replacement is new to me.

my problem is at C13. there is a white box running around the space where the old cap was. i am looking in that general area to see where to scrape exactly with the idea of exposing the correct copper wire.

phreakout, i have sent you a PM.