Installed hplip-3.18.12 connect wireless via usb cable wizard bombs at 4 of 5

My laptop is using kubuntu v 18.04 32-bit version. After installing the hplip-3.18.12, went through the process of configuring wireless printing via usb several times. The wizard bombs out at 4/5. It finds the printer and wi-fi. Asks for the WPA key, after typed in (verified several times and is the same key stored on the printer) and the next button is pressed and the utility is trying to connect with the printer and then I am given the choice of going back or cancel. The printer is attached to the wi-fi and my sister's windows laptop has no problem connecting to the printer. Printer is HP OfficeJet 7612 all-in-one. The address is 192.168.0.111 and I can access the printer's webpage with no problem from my laptop. I had the same problem with ubuntu v 16 gnome, but I was able to get it working after a while.

The printer has been on the wireless network for two years.