Yup easy fix with the right tools. Is there anyone you know who can do board work? Parts are cheap and once its socketed its easy for you to fix should it ever happen again.
Get nvram installed at the same time , that way you had to take the board out for the work to be done anyways. No worries.

Lesson learnt and safer no battery board.

Another lesson is to change bulbs with the power off too. Heard of people dropping bulbs and frying stuff that way too.

Power off and wait 5 mins at least. good to go.

Most games discharge the caps slowly once powered off. The longer you wait the better. Usually 30 mins to be absolutely sure

Only say that for board work. If just doing small crap a couple mins is fine.

Unless you are experienced then pull the boards when you want as you are much more aware there could be current in the caps.

Only trying to help out someone new to pinball and keep them safe as possible and limit damage to the game or themselves.

Feel for ya buddy, hope work picks up but in the meantime maybe someone on here can help who is close to you. I would be glad to help ya out but you are a little far for me to drive too. lol

No worries as its an easy fix and its a great learning experience. You did not get hurt no harm no foul. great guys on here I am sure someone will chime in. maybe add that to your title..looking for help in IN

Cheers man. We have all done dumb things. Its human nature.