ReactOS 0.4.13: Best Alternative to Windows XP

Remember the good old days when Windows XP was still around? I sure do miss the simplicity and wholesomeness of XP, which is why I’ve decided to switch to ReactOS; the best alternative out there to Windows XP. It’s not exactly Windows XP, and to make up for it, it’s not only available for free but is also open-source. Just imagine, Windows XP, but open-source, an environment that comes with the customizability and safety of Linux. It’s like if Windows XP and Linux had a lovechild together. Anyway, this tutorial will help you set up ReactOS 0.4.13 on your device.

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:

https://reactos.org/download/

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.