In theory, you shouldn't have to back anything up for a RAM install/upgrade....but having a current backup before any upgrade or system alteration is never a bad idea, imo.
Worst case scenario, if your RAM isn't correct or doesn't work properly, you should be able to put your old RAM back in and be at the exact same point you were prior to upgrading.
I always make sure my machine is completely unplugged when doing any work on them and if you take precautions for static, you should be fine.
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