Using version 7.11, your project would not run on a low-end PC. That's a huge 5184 x 3456 file.
It did perform on a high-end machine using the 'auto-match' setting. That exported at VP's maximum resolution of 4093 x 2304, which converted the 4:3 image to 16:9.
Suggest that you half the resolution of these files. The low-end machine handled 2592 x 1728 well. That resolution retains the 4:3 aspect ratio.
To have the project load the smaller file, rename the original and then load the project. When VP can't find the file and asks to resolve, point it to the new file. Then SAVE PROJECT, which will overwrite the vpj control file. Or SAVE AS, with a unique new name or #.