Contributed By: Rick Butler
Sometimes you encounter problems along the way that just make you want to roll your eyes "How could I overlook that?!?"

So, here's the situation:

Software metering is recording errors for installation (forgot the error codes, but I do know they had to do with being unable and even though Microsoft recommends that you create a pass-thru account. (essentially this is an account on the local box that has the same name and credentials as a domain service account)).

For some reason, Domain accounts get truncated to 7 characters, which will keep the License Server Installer from using the a site account and authenticating to install the service.

Lesson 1: If your account policy is set for greater than 7 characters, the installer will break. Set a pass-thru account or change your policy.
So then I got these errors after I created the pass-thru account:

Error 9399 - The software metering server manager failed to install the service "INSTALL_ODBC" on "SERVER1".

Error 9405 - The software metering server manager could not start the ODBC installation service on "SERVER1".

Microsoft tells you to review the 'LICSERV.LOG' file. But there's nothing there. Then it dawns on me....the SWMAccount!

Go to 'Site Hierarchy | {site} | Site Systems' and click the properties of the machine you're using for Software Metering. The Service Configuration account for Software Metering has to match the account credentials of the account you're using for Software Metering...or any other service.

Duh.

Lesson 2: Always make sure your credentials match for the configuration of the service AND the configuration of the account!!
Well, after syncing the passwords, it wondrously comes up!!

OK, reality speaking here...don't forget to check the stupid stuff. Might save you a few hours digging in log files.