pls disable Thunderbird Portable auto-update or advise

Is there any way to disable Thunderbird Portable auto-update from mozilla update servers?

I had just finished installing TBP 2.0.0.16 when I start getting these popups to update to TB 2.0.0.17. I didn't update because of the problems that would cause, I just waited until TBP got updated, but I think this will cause some confusion for a lot of users. If they click 'yes', they will run into problems.

Here's a related post from someone else:
(http://readlist.com/lists/lists.mozilla.org/support-thunderbird/11/58930...)
Hi,
I am afraid of using the update function in thunderbird portable. As I
know the update will be downloaded from mozilla update server. The
problem is that the folder structure of the portable version isn't equal
with the desktop version. This will damage the installation. I don't
know how to update safely without waiting till the new portable version
will be released. This takes sometime much time. Any ideas? Any help?
Thanks in advance.