Without actually seeing the thing it's hard to know. The "covering" on the foil trace is probably just conformal coting. It tends to flake off after time and is really no big deal as long as the actual foil trace hasn't lifted from the board and is intact. It isn't burned or charred in that spot is it? The solder bridge between the leads of that resistor could be a problem, but again without seeing it and a schematic diagram for the board it's hard to tell.
Something like that should be an easy repair provided you have a schematic, physical board layout diagram, and parts lists. You can usually get those from the board manufacturer. Parts can be ordered online from a ton of places. I use Priest Electronics at work allot, also they have an office local so many times and I can just go and get what I need.
What you might want to try if you have a GOOD solder iron. Clean the board with Isopropal Alchohol and a small stiff hair brush. Don't use a plastic bristel brush. Air dry and then use a magnifying glass and check all the component solder joints. They should appear smooth and shiny. If they look dull and have small pits or cracks, apply a very small amount of paste solder flux to the joint and apply the solder iron set to around 650-700 degrees, and re-flow the solder. Let the work cool for a few minutes then clean the area with the alchohol and inspect for a smooth shiny finish.
Many times a good cleaning and re-flowing of bad solder joints can bring a card back from the dead. If that doesn't do the trick then more detailed work would need to be done by a qualified tech with the proper test equipment, and tools needed to effect the repair.
One last thing. Make sure you and the card are properly grounded. Many solid state devices are sensitive to Electro Static Discharge. Radio Shack carries ESD certified work mats and wrist straps for a couple of dollars, and they are worth getting if your thinking of working on cards or computers in your home. Try and get one that has a plastic wall outlet plug with the metal ground prong on it. You can plug that in and that will ensure the best possible path to Earth Ground through your homes ground system.
Jason "Hornet33" Whiting
Electronic Technician First Class
U.S. Coast Guard
4 years Depot Level Repair
9 Years Field Repair, Installation, and Tech Support
PACE Solder Thru & Surface Mount Circuit Repair Certified (Went through that school with 2 NASA Engineers)
And before anyone says it, I know that looks like a resume or something. I just wanted Nirvana to know I'm not some joker talking out my butt. This is what I do for a living.
