But it doesn't solve the problem as to why certain internet links cause my Fusion VM to load/start and
try to use IE instead of safari.
If all the links triggers launching of VM, then you must set Safari as default browser on Mac side. To do so, launch safari on Mac. Click on Safari > Preferences . Set default web browser as Safari instead of IE.
If only certail links are triggering the VM, then we may need more details. can you give any one such link which triggers VM ?