To: clarkson77
If you would like to copy a DVD to your hard disc, we'd recommend using AVS DVD Copy. Choose your DVD-ROM as source (VIDEO_TS folder) and the output path on your external drive.
Here is more information.
However, if you would like to convert your DVD movie to another format, ex. AVI, MPEG etc, you need to use AVS Video Converter. Select VIDEO_TS.IFO as an input file, then choose output format and profile, as well as output path on your external drive and start conversion.
Here you can find step-by-step instructions.
Best regards