and still had no ability to start SQL/AC from Services
In this thread, there have been multiple pieces of information about how and why AC won't work. Some of your ideas and some of our ideas have been looked at. But, after reading through this again, one thing stands out. I would forget about everything you have experienced or tried and look at one thing. The face that after the install, you are unable to start SQL Server (AmazingCharts). That is your problem. If it were starting, you would likely have no issue. As you know, and I don't mean to state the obvious, but AC isn't going to work without that service being on. The above links may be helpful, but Google shows that there either things such as SSIS may control SQL Services.
When you go into SQL Server Configuration Manager is every SQL Service logged on as a local account and all set to Automatic. Just dotting all the i's and crossing all the t's.
