Cannot update VBox Manager using Check for Updates

[KD]

I am on 5.0.0.101573 rc build installed on Windows host. I have been using VBOX for the last few months and am relatively new. The 'check for updates' does not work - it gives a 'network access failed' error message. I see there is a newer version available with a fix to use system proxy settings. How do I update my software? I have created a VB Host-Only Ethernet Adapter with current version and setup ~ 15 VMs. Will I lose the preferences/configuration settings if I uninstall current build and install the newer version? I am not able to find information on this and am worried if I have to go about redoing some of the configurations just to update software. Btw, the network error message shows up both on corporate network and at home (no proxy required at home).

[socratis]

The 'check for updates' does not work

It's delayed on purpose, until the developers consider the release stable.

How do I update my software?

Exactly the same way that you installed VirtualBox in the first place; you download it and run the installer.

Will I lose the preferences/configuration settings if I uninstall current build and install the newer version?

Do you lose your bookmarks and history if you update Firefox/Safari/Chrome/IE? No. Same here. You don't lose anything.