Apple devices require on initial setup you either register with Itunes or icloud and do sync your apple device with the either of the two above, the backups will also be done on icloud regularly. In the event you never did any of the above please accept and move on, erase the data and start afresh but in the event you had registered with any of the above accounts please install Itunes on any laptop(any OS) of choice log in and then plug the ipad and restore your ipad, there are no two ways about it. -- *Wagah Hayanga* ᐧ