Q: all my photos and contacts were gone after iOS 5/6

If they are in your backup, restoring from backup will get them back. For how to restore from backup see:

iOS: How to back up

Likely. See:

Error 13, 14, 35 and 50 (or -50)

These errors are typically resolved by performing one or more of the steps listed below:

1. Perform USB isolation troubleshooting, including trying a different USB port directly on the computer. See the advanced steps below for USB troubleshooting.
2. Put a USB 2.0 hub between the device and the computer.
3. Try a different USB 30-pin dock-connector cable.
4. Eliminate third-party security software conflicts.
5. There may be third-party software installed that modifies your default packet size in Windows by inserting one or more TcpWindowSize entries into your registry. Your default packet size being set incorrectly can cause this error. Contact the manufacturer of the software that installed the packet-size modification for assistance. Or, follow this article by Microsoft: How to reset Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to reset the packet size back to the default for Windows.
6. Connect your computer directly to your Internet source, bypassing any routers, hubs, or switches. You may need to restart your computer and modem to get online.
7. Try to restore from another known-good computer and network.

iTunes displays -50 error message when syncing iPod on Windows XP

-50 Error occurred while backing up this...: Apple Support Communities

iTunes: "-50" alert when syncing your iOS device to iTunes 10.3