Don't have a Mac here, but Windows procedures should be very similar.
Save AS opens the file manager where you can choose the folder where the VPJ control file is to be saved. After choosing a folder, Videopad remembers the last save location and this will be the default Save AS choice the next time you save. You can change it. What's seen under MEDIA settings refers to something else, not the VPJ.
When the VPJ loads it will restore the entire project as it was on the timeline when saved. A VPJ is never added to the media bin or timeline.
OPEN FILE
is used to load a VPJ project. ADD FILES is for adding video, audio, etc. to the bin, for editing.
The caret to the right of the OPEN icon
will present a list of recently opened projects.
If you do manage to load the project, even if there is no audio, please share it for analysis. Someone here will help solve the problem. Follow these exact steps...
Back up --- With your project on the timeline, click on MENU at the top-left. Click FILE|BACK UP PROJECT FILES TO FOLDER. Choose a folder and SELECT FOLDER.
Upload --- Use a free server - Google Drive, MS OneDrive, etc.* - to upload the saved, numbered FOLDER. Do NOT upload the individual VPJ or export file.
Get link --- Get a public link. Right-click the file and click SHARE. When using Google Drive, if necessary change "restricted" to "anyone with the link can view"
Share --- Click COPY LINK | DONE. Paste that link here, or click the folder at the top-right of this forum to message it privately to me. It won't be shared.
* Before uploading, right-click the folder, click PROPERTIES. Look at the File Size to confirm that it's not too big for the free space on the server.