Jul 5, 2011 12:09 GMT  ·  By

This fall, Redmond-based software giant Microsoft should bring to the market a new version of its mobile operating system, namely Windows Phone Mango, but those who would like to try out a beta flavor of the OS can already do that.

One thing that should be noted right from the start is that this is an unofficial way of loading the Mango update on existing Windows Phone devices, which means that there are certain risks involved.

Those who will try to upgrade their handsets will be the only ones to be held responsible for any issues that might emerge during or after the process is completed.

The Mango update was released to developers last week, so that they can upgrade their devices to the new OS flavor to test applications on them.

Basically, this means that only developer unlocked Windows Phones had access to Mango, but the unofficial software that just emerged over at the XDA-Developers changed that.

All those who would like to perform the upgrade can now do so, though they need the Windows Phone Support Tools to be installed on their Windows-based PC at home.

As soon as this step of the process was completed, users will need to download the unofficial tool, fire up Zune, and connect the handset to the PC. They will soon be prompted to install the beta release of Mango on their devices.

Apparently, the tool has been designed so as to backup the mobile phone during the installation process, which means that all personal files, contacts and the like should remain there after the installation process is completed.

Additional info on the matter can be found on this thread over at the XDA-Developers (via Windows Phone Hacker).

As stated above, this is not an official tool, and things might not go as well as initially planned. Previously, Windows Phone users had some problems with a similar tool that enabled them to force update their devices.