I got a new cpu with vista and had to do a complete install of BF2142 and FS. I had a couple problems that had an odd fix and I was told by my clan to post here incase it helps someone else.

Here are my system specs

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System Information
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Time of this report: 1/8/2009, 12:59:50
       Machine name: Leper Messiah
   Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6000) (6000.vista_gdr.080917-1612)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gateway
       System Model: GT5464
               BIOS: Default System BIOS
          Processor: Genuine Intel(R) CPU            2140  @ 1.60GHz (2 CPUs), ~1.6GHz
             Memory: 2044MB RAM
          Page File: 1076MB used, 3230MB available
        Windows Dir: J:\Windows
    DirectX Version: DirectX 10
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
     DxDiag Version: 6.00.6000.16386 32bit Unicode

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Display Devices
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        Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS
     Manufacturer: NVIDIA
        Chip type: GeForce 8600 GTS
         DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
       Device Key: 666
   Display Memory: 1266 MB
Dedicated Memory: 499 MB
    Shared Memory: 766 MB
     Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)

I installed BF2142 and updated it. I had to check the box "run as admin". checked it and it ran fine with no probs.
I installed FS,no probs dling it.
FS start up,update,and menus all worked. when I went to "deploy" I would get different things. most common a pretty background picture,then some partial maps,and somtimes just a blank white screen.

I tried a few things and got nothing. On a fluke, I hit the window button and new programs was glowing. It was FS,so I said wth and clicked launch through the start menu.

It worked for whatever reason, if I use the icon on my desk top I can't join a game but if I use it through my start menu it works fine.

So if I help any Vista users out there,YAY.
If not *shrugs* I can play