recently, you might have run into a brick wall before even hitting the character select screen. Specifically, a frustrating error message from the Blizzard Updater (v2.72) claiming:
the game folder or temporarily disabling your antivirus can resolve "corrupt archive" errors. Scan and Repair
You cannot simply delete d2xp-ix86-1xx-114d.mpq – the 1.14d Game.exe expects it. Instead, use a mod manager like Cactus or D2SE to run a separate 1.13c installation.
The "MPQ" (Mo'Paq) format is Blizzard's proprietary archive container. This patch file contains the following: The Phrozen Keep Game Executables & DLLs : Updated versions of Diablo II.exe
This specific file is a rather than a primary game asset container.
If your installation is stuck or throwing an error citing this specific .mpq file, choose one of the reliable workarounds detailed below. Method 1: Apply the Manual Standalone Patches
: This specific file contains the data necessary to upgrade the "expansion" (d2xp) version of the game for Intel-based (ix86) Windows systems to version 1.14d.
: Typically found in the root directory of your Diablo II installation (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Diablo II ).
Right-click on (or your desktop shortcut icon) and select Properties . Switch to the Compatibility tab. Check the box marked Run this program as an administrator .