Open game, do not exec config, open console and type /name stalker, and /cg_selectedplayername stalker.
Go to the menu and double click on and load silent mod, do not exec config, open console and type /name stalker, and /cg_selectedplayername stalker.
Still in the console and in silent mod type /name and hit enter, check what it says, then type /cg_selectedplayername and hit enter, check what it says. They should both say "stalker" at this point, confirm this.
Now connect to FA hardcore or Beginners 2 and see what happens.
After you connect, or if you can't connect, again check both /cg_name (hit enter) and /cg_selectedplayername (enter) and confirm the names.
If this works, do this with any mod you're having trouble with.
If this issue continues, let one of us onto your PC with teamviewer or something! Going through your ET directory and manually doing this is easier done than said.