For the Record..

point being?
It is easy to do.. some of us out here have dificulty in seeing this point.. unvi$ible's comments bring this out.. in his situation it was the dreaded dust bunnies that were most probably responsable.

some times you know better and still make the mistake.. look right past the keyway information.. overlook a **** load of stuff that you should know better.. and still plug it in wrong.. or leave the power on while inserting components (geez that blows memory, craps cards and stuffs mobo's).

When doing upgrades.. preparation as mentioned.. is:
Knowing what you need, getting it..
Knowing How it is fitted,
KInowing the saftey proceedures/cautions.
Prepare work area. With needed Tools
Prepare the machine.. Backup data. shutdown, remove power, connect Earthing straps.
Clean the Job
Do the work..
Cleanup
Test
Close patient..


by same mobo otherwise all my data would be lost(corect me guys if i am wrong here)
You dont need the exact same mobo to extract your data.. it helps prevent a problem with your OS.. .. If it is your only PC and your data isnt backed up.. you have a higher risk of loss during a Warm install.. It is a good form to clean install when doing a major upgrade (ie mobo and CPU).
you dont have to but it helps..