If you get corrupted selection screens that make single mission selection difficult, or even impossible, then this is a work-around.
However, it can be used by people who do not have corrupted screens, and it has some advantages over the single mission system
In many cases even though other screens may be corrupted the multiplayer screens are not, and there is a version of the exe that goes straight to multiplayer.
There are scripts for multiplayer games that can be loaded, and for the adventurous there is a script making program so that you can even make your own.
Selecting the settings and a script:
The multiplayer parameters screen after launching the exe
Note the number of settings such as the airbases ad altitudes that are not available in single missions
A ground-started mission as selected:
Checking the map:
The enemy are in range: