The first major update to the Windows Phone 7 smartphone platform is complete and ready to go. However, Microsoft is taking its sweet ol’ time rolling this update out. This is partially because the first pre-update that they released caused some serious issues among some Windows Phone 7 users. Now, they are waiting until all the kinks are worked out before making the full Windows Phone 7 update available.

This is causing some impatience among the community, since one much coveted feature—copy and paste—has been promised in the next round of updates. For those of you who simply can’t wait, there is a way to get it early.

However, before you read these instructions, note that this is not an officially supported method for updating your Windows Phone 7. It may not work on your phone, or it may completely render your phone useless. Proceed at your own risk.

Step One

Download and install the Windows Phone Support Tools. You can get this from Microsoft.com. Go here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2530409 and get the appropriate version for your Windows version (i.e. x86 or 64-bit).

Step Two

Download the Chevron WP7 updater. This is an unofficial tool put together by a group of benevolent hackers. Since publishing this tool, the group was politely asked by Microsoft to take it down. You can still find the tool on sites like Megaupload, however.

Step Three

Plug your Windows Phone 7 into your computer and wait for 30 seconds.

Step Four

Extract Chevron.WP7.updater.exe and run it.

Step Five

Choose your language. If your language is not shown, then it means that your phone is not yet supported. Do not proceed with this update.

Step Six

The updater will begin. Wait patiently while the program checks your phone’s system. If you have never updated your Windows Phone 7, it will first install the pre-Nodo update. Do not uplug your phone during this process. Your phone will reboot twice before the installation is complete.

Step Seven

To check to see that the update was successful, go to Settings > About and touch More Info on your Windows Phone 7. Under OS VERSION, it should read: OS Version 7.0.7008.0. This is the pre-Nodo update verison.

Step Eight

Run the Chevron.WP7.Updater.exe tool again. Again, do not unplug your phone during this process. This installation will take a little bit longer. Don’t be alarmed if the installer takes up to 10 minutes in certain phases.

Step Nine

After your phone reboots twice again and Zune launches, check your Settings > About page again. The OS version should read: OS Version: 7.0.7390.0. If so, then your update was successful.

You can now copy and paste text in your Windows Phone 7. Do this by touching text, and then dragging the selection tool to select text. Touch the Copy button. Now, when you open the keyboard, there will be a paste button along the top.

Remember: This is not an official means for updating your phone. Not only will you void your warranty, you may make your phone completely inoperable. Do this only if you have a backup phone which you can use for emergency situations.