Before I root my phone

If I'm not mistaken, you need root access to use Titanium backup. Regardless, rooting by itself shouldn't wipe any data. Rooting just adds a program called Superuser to the phone and gives you access to the root directory. On the other hand, if you start flashing ROMs, then you will want to back up the phone with Titanium, because you will be wiping your device.

 

What Samsung phone are you using and who is your Carrier?

Backups ...

Titanium Backup Pro - root-ed
MyBackup Pro - un-root-ed

... Thom

 

By the way, the typical steps are:

1) Root
2) Unlock the bootloader
3) Install a custom recovery (typically CWM or TWRP)
4) Flash a new ROM

 

This is your problem. You need to understand what you're doing. Instructions, especially for the GS3, are virtually idiot proof. If you read the directions, they should make sense. It's a one-click root.

 

Before rooting and flashing roms my advice to anyone is read, read, read, until your eyes bleed. Make sure you understand what and why .

 

Whoa, take it easy on the kid...sometimes the best way to learn is to just mimic what others are doing...and it's good to learn the proper steps even if a one-click method is available.

 

Yes, but still, The danger of Bricking the device is always there, plus the cost of some of these phones and Tabs, it's just much better to really read up on it and understand the risks, and procedures involved.

 

After FDR'ing, you could reinstall TiBu, restore root and then restore your backup, unless I'm missing something... I'm not clear on whether you couldn't get root back after FDR'ing.

 

By "FDRing" I'm guessing you mean Factory Data Reset? You do not loose root when you do a Factory Data Reset.

 

If root fails and the phone no longer boots you need to try for recovery.

Restore any backup you have, if you have one, or do a factory data reset.