ok i found a simple fix rather than doing a manual removal of all 2142 files.
1. Go to c:program files\Eletronic Arts\Battlefield 2142 make sure you have your folders set to show hidden files, look for a folder named radial.cdb
2. rename that folder by right clicking and hitting rename, I just put an O in front of the original name but you can do what you want.
3. If for some reason you cant find this file check your folder options ( this happened to me the first time I looked and I also did a search and I still coulndnt find it) make sure its set to show hidden files. You will then have to close that folder and start over, just go back to step one. Im sort of anal so I restarted also but I dont think you have to.
4. Go play 2142 after your done. I tried a bunch of servers and they all worked. If you go back and look after you have joined a server the folder will have been recreated and you should see the one you renamed.