Downloading IOS 5 loss of contents if I continue

Hi All
I am trying to download 5, my Ipad starts to do a backup on itunes, then I get a message problem, if I want to continue I will loose all my contents from my Ipad.
What's going on please, getting sick of visiting my local apple store with these types of issues
David

 

Welcome to the forum! There are a lot of great people here willing to lend a hand anytime. Often using the Search box (at the top-left of every page) will lead you to the answers you're looking for. If not, feel free to post a question in the appropriate area.

Please take a moment to view the information here to get the most out of your iPad as well as our forum:

Forum Rules - Please read
Hacking Rules - Please read
iPad for Beginners
Free iPad User Manuals
Download The Official iPad Forum App

Regarding your question about upgrading to iOS 5, here are the instructions from Apple. As long as you follow them you should be fine. The iOS 5 Upgrade does remove all data from your iPad however it backs everything up first and then performs a restore after upgrading the OS. If you want to be extra safe do two things. First connect your iPad, open iTunes and click on File in the iTunes toolbar. Click on "Transfer Purchases from [your iPad's name]. Then go ahead and run one backup on iTunes prior to upgrading.

Updating your iOS device

iTunes can update your device to the latest available iOS software. An update doesn't affect your user content or settings. iTunes creates a backup of your iOS device and then performs the update. Follow these steps to update your device:

1. Verify that you are using the latest version of iTunes before attempting to update.
2. Connect your iOS device to your computer.
3. Select your iOS device when it appears in iTunes under Devices.
4. Select the Summary tab.
5. Click "Check for Update"
6. Follow the on-screen instructions

Note that depending on Apple's server load as well as your broadband connection, this update can take up to several hours (or it may be less). Be prepared to spend some time though.

More here:

iTunes: Backing up, updating, and restoring iOS software

Odds are very good now that things will go fine. However prior to updating you might have a look at the tips in this post:

iOS 5 Upgrade Troubleshooting

Welcome again and enjoy!