the solution is a simple one which to be honest seems rather obvious
Just fill out your character details in the shut down file (Server and Character name), run the updater but cancel/abort before it updates then uncheck the option for the shutdown mod. The updater no longer updates the file, therefore doesn't overwrite your info.
Works for me.
Just wish I could get the Coin Weight Info to work with the autoupdater, because I LOVE that mod and am lost without it (well have to check inventory all the time anyway)
Walter.
This also works for all the custom notes pages, incase your interested.