If you have a classic copy of the game, meaning you did not install the version from OldUnreal.com you will need to make some changes so that the game knows how to talk to the new master servers from the community.
Make sure your game is up to date!
Before we even start, make sure that your game files are currently up to date. If you installed your game from GOG’s installer, it should be 3369 so you will be good. If you are installing from DVD of CD images, you most likely do not have the newest version.
Download OldUnreal’s most recent patch – Download Page
(These patches are simply extract and replace files in the folders of your game install. If you’re not comfortable with doing that simply download the full installer of the game from OldUnreal. It will be patched and ready to go with a nice installer. You can get to that installer here)
Important Notes
Master Servers are changed in this update: You do not have to go through the steps of changing the Master Servers after this patch. It connects to multiple ones.
Are you banned everywhere?: If you installed the edition from GOG.com and are trying to play with that key, that key has been used to cheat for a very long time. Because of this, most servers block this key. Seriously, look at how much traffic this key has. To change your key you will need to open up your registry editor. Go to registry and on a modern windows install, go to:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Unreal Technology\Installed Apps\UT2004
in there, you’ll see a value for cdkey, you need to change it to a new key. Because epic’s servers are down, there is no cd-key validation past a really basic checker built into the game. There are several generators available online, and one seen around most is this one.
Get a new CD-Key you can get one using the generator here: https://keyfrag.surge.sh/