Well, if you're still on, I can join. I just had to go because my brother wanted to get on.

Patch 1.51 for 2142 is already out. The total conversion mod First Strike does not require a patch to work with 1.51. The dedicated launcher for First Strike requires an update, but you should still be able to launch the mod by starting 2142 then going to the community tab and custom games then selecting First Strike. Or you can just do the file copy,rename,replace procedure that has already been posted.

If you are incapable of doing either method then I got to ask, how do you manage to switch your computer on without assistance each day? If you really need everything to work first time round without any action on your part then take up console gaming. PC gaming doesn't always run smoothly, at the moment we're attempting to get everything we need to sort out an update for the launcher but I don't know how long it will take. Since there are three variants of 2142 and each has a different .exe that must be analysed prior to issuing an update it isn't as straightforward as you obviously believe.

Bite my shiny metal Tie Fighter!