(checked) Map port using UPnP
(checked) Connect through SOCKS proxy
Proxy IP: 127.0.0.1
Port: 9150
SOCKS Version: 5
Have you actually got a SOCKS proxy (e.g. Tor) running, and if so, are you sure it's on that port? If not, you don't want "Connect through SOCKS proxy" to be checked. If you do have a proxy, you should probably check it and make sure it is configured properly.
(By the way, restarting the client won't make you lose your progress. It'll just read through what it has downloaded and start downloading the next missing block, same as usual. Not having the blockchain downloaded won't affect your bitcoins, just your ability to spend them / see new transactions. If you need to see transactions while you're waiting, look up the address on blockexplorer or blockchain.info.)