I'm trying to backup a virtual machine from my 2009 MacBook Pro.  I've been Googling all afternoon, but all the "how to do it" articles that I've found are for later versions of Mac and later versions of Fusion.  

Background information:  I'm running a mid-2009 MacBook Pro 17".  The machine is running the latest version of OS-X that the hardware is capable of (Ver. 10.11.6 - El Capitan).  

I'm currently running a Windows 7 virtual machine via VMWare Fusion Version 7.1.3.  I need to back up the VMWare Windows virtual machine (in its entirety) because I'm getting a new MacBook Pro that will run the latest OS-X.  I will use the current version of VMWare Fusion and reinstall the virtual machine.

It is critical that I reinstall the entire virtual machine with its virtual hard drive intact.  I have a piece of business software installed on the virtual machine that is only replaceable at a cost of >$5,000.  The program is mine, bought and paid for in 2009, and I don't want to have to buy it again.  The program starts using a security key that is at a fixed location on its HDD.  If the program does not find that key, it will not start.  Therefore, I need to copy the entire virtual machine hard drive (including the program and its key) to keep the program active.

I've navigated to the "virtual machines" drive from within VMWare Fusion.  The Fusion window displays two files:

"Windows 7.vmwarevm" and "Windows 7.vmware.vmsd"

I can copy the first to an external drive via Finder, but the second file cannot be selected.  Do I need the .vmsd file?  If so, how do I copy it?

I'm also of the impression that once I've gotten my new computer, I need to install VMWare Fusion, copy the virtual machine file(s) to the new HDD, and then open Fusion and ask it to open the virtual machine.  Is this correct?

Thanks kindly - Glenn Young