Re-installing/syncing iTunes on newly-restored laptop?

[Pinmac]

I have just had to restore my laptop to factory settings due to a problem. I did manage to copy away the iTunes folder beforehand so have that safe. I haven't been able to backup my iPad2 for a few months due to the laptop problems so have loads of apps on it which are not backed up. I don't have any music on my iPad but I do have photos which I don't need to copy to the laptop. Please can someone explain what I should do to get it all back in sync? I am worried that if I do it the wrong way I will wipe my iPad2. I'm still running IOS5.1 as I don't want to update to IOS6 until I have sorted this out. Thanks for any help.