Something isn't kosher.
With the project on the timeline, click EXPORT on the tool or menu bar|VIDEO FILE. The export window appears. Choose the format and settings, and direct it to a convenient existing folder, such as DOWNLOADS. That's it.
VP can directly export to Google Drive, MS OneDrive, YouTube, Vimeo, etc. This is not dependent upon the VPJ (non-playable) file. Export can be accomplished without first saving a project.
To save a project, so it can be loaded later by clicking the VPJ control file, use Save Project File AS, giving it a unique # or name so as to not overwrite prior saves. Save Project Files (no AS) will overwrite.
