Hello. First, I moved your question out of the thread it was in because it was an entirely different issue than what was already being discussed. Rather than continue to "hijack" the thread (which is against forum rules), I've created a new thread for your question. Please use this thread only for any further discussion on this issue. Thanks for your understanding.
Unfortunately, if the passcode has been forgotten, your only option is to restore it using iTunes. And yes, you will lose all the data on it unless you restore it using the iTunes that you normally sync this iPad to. If you use your iTunes, after the restore you can put your most recent backup onto the iPad. Depending on the age of the backup, you might get most of your information back.
Sorry, but Apple has made an excellent program in the pass code protection. There is no other way around it.
Marilyn
