Are the only entries from ssl_error_log and they show only during restart of apache. I don't have a domain on this machine that I'd like to set as the default ssl domain, so I haven't done much with the ssl conf settings other than entering the server IP.
Another difference between the two boxes, is the working box is a single domain box, so .htaccess is on the root domain. The one not working is a vhost on the box. I know that 'could' make a difference, but if it does I'm going to be really bothered!
I have hit logs everywhere I can think to look and I can't find anything! It's like apache is simply not finding the .htaccess file, in spite of being told to look for one. I even tried adding AccessFileName .htaccess inside the virtualhost directive, and that didn't do anything either. It does exist in the main server conf area. WOW!!! I've never had such trouble!!!
So, I disabled selinux, rebooted and still have the same issue..... I guess it's time to go off in another direction... get it working somewhere else, and then try to figure out what I've missed. I must be overlooking something... but darn if I've ever had it hidden so well.
OH crap.... I'm truly an idiot!!!! Beat myself to death on this.... and I don't seem to be able to 'see' that I have made an idiot's mistake forgetting to include public_html in the path to my directory. Right there... all the time... right IN my FACE!!!
I'm so sorry for wasting everyone's time. <hugely embarrassed>.
I am just a little surprised that apache even restarted though. Most of the time if a directory doesn't exist, it's pretty flaky. I think that's why I wasn't really looking so hard at that. Man, I checked the spelling of the path about 100 times... but...........
I'll have the better half cook up a hot noodle right now, and start receiving my 50 lashes!
Thanks John Hinton <with much egg on his face>