you are exactly right Bert;
this is where I have been stymied;
I also had two smart IT people look at the server today, and they encountered this precise block on launching AC - the reinstall is looking for KB893808v2 which I think links sql svr to AC (?);
I did not check the responses on this forum this morning before the IT guys got here, but I will share your helpful advise with them tomorrow when they return;
the entire problem is vexing, and I don't know why shuffling the domain controller precipitated the problem;
I will post updates on my progress here; hope my experience will prevent others from having to go down this road
