how do you guys remove the voltage regulator thingy? ive been at it with solder braid trying to get all the solder off but it just wont budge. any tips on how to remove it?

 

heat up the larger flat side first and then flip it up fast. Thats what i did. I Then desoldered the 2 small legs on it. Be carefull not to burn your board out.

 

ok yeah basicly i messed up bad. this is what ive got left of the old voltage regulator. its in all the faint circles.



since i think the only thing left is just metal, could i solder on the new regulator on top of that?

 

talking to him now.

 

You need to remove it completely. Set your iron on a hotter setting if it has one and heat it till it will come loose. I raise the temp on my iron about 50 degrees while desoldering with a braid or desoldering heat sinks like that one. Remember, it is a heat sink, so it will take longer to heat the area and melt the solder.