I cant seem to figure out the way to do the switch -act change is it SP only or am I doing the wrong command?
Please take a look at the FAQ.
http://chaosempire.info/web/content/view/21/37/
Edit the shortcut to the "diablo II.exe" executable thus:
"C:\Path\To\Diablo II.exe" -act5
This shortcut ONLY has effect when CREATING a character in SP.
Another short6cut can be made thus:
"C:\Path\To\Diablo II.exe" -skiptobnet
Note the space between the closing quote of the path and the switch.