Replace new starter but still won't start on 1995 ford explorer

I have a question about my 1995 ford explorer... ! My starter went out so I got new one and replace new starter... and now still won't start... all I hear is click... and when I turn on the key to start ... positive battery cable gets heat up and smoke... I did every thing right to replace the starter.... does this mean my regulator is out...? Need help... can't figure this out....