We will create a bootable installation CD, and then use it to install ReactOS 0.4.13.
NOTE: This method doesn’t work with a USB so you’ll need to write an installation CD.
Prerequisites
To follow the instructions in this article, you’ll need:
- A writeable CD
- A CD writer
Minimum Requirements
Your system has to at least meet the following requirements for ReactOS to work properly:
- RAM- 64 MB minimum, 256 MB recommended
- Processor- either x86 or x64 architecture, Pentium or above
- HDD space: at least 500 MBs of free space
- Either FAT16 or FAT32 boot partition
Step 1: Download the ReactOS Image File
To download the official ISO image file for ReactOS, you can visit their official website. Click the link below:
Go ahead and download the bootable CD image from their website.
Step 2: Create the Installation CD for ReactOS
Once the download is complete, head over to the downloads directory, you’ll see that it’s a zip file, and you’ll have to use appropriate third-party software to extract it. You’ll use the same software to burn the ISO image to a CD in your CD writer. Make sure it is set as an image file when you burn the ISO to the disc.
Step 3: Install ReactOS
First, configure your system so that your BIOS is set to boot from CD-ROM. Then insert the installation disk into the CD-ROM and restart your device. Once the system reboots, the setup will automatically start by itself.
You’ll be guided through the installation by instructions on your computer screen. Follow them closely, and you’ll be done within a few minutes.
Once it’s done with the installation, take out the installation CD and hit “Enter” to restart the machine. Upon reboot, select ReactOS from the boot menu, and you’re all set to use ReactOS on your computer.
Wrapping Up
This tutorial demonstrated how to set up ReactOS on your computer using the CD boot method. Using the USB method to install ReactOS would be a much preferable alternative to the method above, but unfortunately, it is not available as of yet.
With ReactOS all set to go on your device, you relive your nostalgia for WindowsXP with the simple, easy interface of ReactOS.