Problem: Try and load a mod from the "Custom Game" menu, and you crash to your windows desktop.
Answer: You can directly load mods, with BF's own syntax.
just use "+game modfoldernamehere"
Check this screenshot:
Mod Loading
As an easier method, there's a handy utility called "Mod Chooser" which just automates this process.
http://bfediting.codeweld.com/modchooser/
And for online play, there's NO excuse for NOT using the ultimate in gaming browsers:
The All Seeing Eye
(this deals with mod syntax also, when joining games)