Thanks...as for old computers I have many hidden away in my basement, even going back to the Radio Shack TRS 80. 
I anticipated the likely response so, since my last post, I've been searching available downloads on the VMware site as well as generalized searches.
Workstation 5.x for a Linux host doesn't seem to be available for download from the VMware site, at least I haven't been able to find it. There are a lot of links with instructions how to install it but that's not my problem.
My issue is where I can actually download a legacy version of Workstation 5.x for a Linux 32 bit host. If you or any of our friends out there can provide a current link to site where I can download a copy, I should be able to fix the problem.
The Plan:
1. Download and install Workstation 5.x for Linux on the old 32 bit computer which now is running Ubuntu 18.04 as its OS (ie the most current version of the OS that will run on a 32 bit machine).
2. Copy the backup directory of the Windows 2K VM back onto the old computer in the VMware directory created by Workstation 5.x when it was installed.
3. Hopefully open the Windows 2K VM using Workstation 5.x and then properly execute a power off shut down.
4. Copy the properly shut down Windows 2K VM directory to the newer 64 bit computer running Ubuntu 20.04 and open it with Workstation 15.x.
Note: from other postings I've seen, it may be necessary to add a line to the Windows 2K .vmx to emulate a 32 bit machine on a 64 bit host, namely < monitor_control.disable_longmode=1 > but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Anyway that's my plan. If I can get some help finding a site to download the legacy version of Workstation 5.x for a Linux host, I'll let you know how it turns out.