If your returning to Freelancer after a few years, when you install the game on WIn7 or Win 8 you probably will not get a Multiplayer ID, this prevents you being able to play Multiplayer. Here's an easy fix for those with the problem.

The solution is to install the FLPATCH that MS issued, this is widely available but is in the downloads as well. Run it and you should have the problem solved, if not, uninstall FL fully, then re-install and then apply the FLPATCH. Don't forget, you need the server list patch as well if your not going to connect direct to Void, again this is in downloads