First try this (I didn't do it this way, but it may work):

Go into the properties of the FS shortcut. Change the "Start in" to this: "C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\Battlefield 2142"

If that doesn't work, try this (This is how I did it and I know it works):

My problem was that, after following Adultswim's directions, a 'Firststrike' folder was not created. So, follow his directions, cut and paste the Firststrike folder out of your created 'mods' folder and into the first 'mods' folder containg 'bf2142' and your 'mods'. Delete your 'mods'. Now, go into the properties of the FS shortcut. Change the "Start in" to this: "C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\Battlefield 2142"  I figured this out by looking at another mod for BF2. It works!!

Potz4Prez wrote:

Could someone elaborate on steps 3 and 4? It says I should have two folders in the folder 'mods', 'firststrike' and 'mods'. I have 'bf2142' and 'mods'.

I updated my post.  I said you should see first strike and mods, but I failed to mention bf2142. Thanks for the catch.  You probably only have 'bf2142' and 'mods' because you didn't start up 2142 and allow it to crash (this is the point where it creates the aditional folder named 'first strike' with your profile inside it).  Follow the steps again, if it doesn't work for you like the others, I'm sorry, I don't know what to tell you other then,  Good luck and may the force be with you!  lol

Well, it seems that it's not creating the FirstStrike folder. I've followed the steps four times so far... I guess I'll just have to wait for a patch.

Ok I got it to work.. hope this works for you guys (its messed up).  Delete the mod and reinstall.  When its asks where, the default is something like program files/ea/battlefield 2142/
1. add 'mods' to the end of that. 
2. start up the mod... it will ask where the 2142.exe is... browse and find it.  It will start then crash.
3. go into the mods folder and you will see 'bf2142', 'first strike' and another 'mods' folder.  Go into the second mods folder (which is the one you created) where you will find another First Strike folder.  Cut everything inside that folder.
4. Go back out and paste everything into the First Strike folder located in the 1st mods folder.
5. Delete the empty mods folder.
6. Click on the short cut to start the game.

In my opinion... something is happening with the creation of the settings folder upon the automatic duplication of your profile (which is located in the settings folder) upon starting up the game for the first time.  I know its confusing but it worked for me.  I'm gonna play the game now fellas, hope I was able to help you.

I don't have the first strike folder already in the mods folder, just bf2142 and the mods one i created. What am i doing wrong ?

At the start when you say delete the mod do you mean uninstall

Could someone elaborate on steps 3 and 4? It says I should have two folders in the folder 'mods', 'firststrike' and 'mods'. I have 'bf2142' and 'mods'.

I updated my post.  I said you should see first strike and mods, but I failed to mention bf2142. Thanks for the catch.  You probably only have 'bf2142' and 'mods' because you didn't start up 2142 and allow it to crash (this is the point where it creates the aditional folder named 'first strike' with your profile inside it).  Follow the steps again, if it doesn't work for you like the others, I'm sorry, I don't know what to tell you other then,  Good luck and may the force be with you!  lol

Thank you ADULTSWIM. I hope we don't have too many people with this problem.

You're welcome guys.  Sorry that some of you still couldn't get it to to work.  Not to rub it in for those of you having problems but... the game ROCKS!  (devious laughter)