my ipad 2 will not sync onto my laptop - stops at step 4 of 6 and itunes stops responding

Hi,

It used to sync with no problems. Today I tried syncing my 32GB iPad 2 (version 8.1.2 (12B440), model MC774B/A onto my laptop, it got to step 4 of 6 'finding new purchases' and then the program stopped responding.

I tried to sync my husbands iPad and the same thing happened.

I have uninstalled and re-installed iTunes and the same thing is still happening, I have also tried to restore the iPad by pressing the home button and the sleep button for 15 seconds and still the same thing is happening....

Please help, I am desperate to sync my iPad....

Many thanks