Assume I'm not too bright since I've never claimed otherwise. Introduced to Linux about a week ago and decided to replace the OS on the laptop with Ubuntu 16.04. All seems fine except neither Totem or the VLC install can read a dvd disk or a movie from an external hard drive. Totem simply says it can't read the file. VLC will play the lion roaring in a MGM production, then the screen goes gray and runs with distorted audio. If there is something that needs to be downloaded and/or installed, simple instructions would be much appreciated. I haven't downloaded or installed anything else since some similar posts with possible solutions appear dated.

Presario CQ57 CPU B800@1.50 GHZ x 2 OS Type 64 Bit 300 GB HD

Sounds like you are missing the codecs.

You might try the solutions given at:
http://askubuntu.com/questions/17102...-codecs/171084

The last one might be most appropriate.

Google is your friend.

1 members found this post helpful.

Yes "ubuntu-restricted-extras" are probably needed for codecs plus "libdvdcss2" for dvd's. It's a proprietary matter and a nuisance, at the least.

Fred.

1 members found this post helpful.

Good information and guidance. DVD and external HD now play. Thank you, J, Fred.