Managed to get the licences in, using the system admin tool, after giving temporary internet access (and DNS ips) to the controller.
But, I would still like to know why the software installer tool is closing down automatically.
After getting the licences in, I can go in through the software installer tool, leaving just configure licenses checked, and I do see my licences when it verifies licences - but if I click on retrieve licences, tool still automatically closes - now leaving cat5 connected as controller has internet access.
If anyone has ideas, I would ove to know why it closes.