My octave copy master has a hard disk problem
Ok, first, "reformat" means you have done a format before, **** your question (about the format disk), explains that you havint?
..so have you?
OK, second, if you have a hard disk problem, you must to know what is the problem first, to solve it. (the solution might be a lot easier than it appears)
THE problem might be, a phisical problem , where your here sound comming from the disk, or a hardware/software problem, were your disk Master Boot Record (MBR) is damaged , this can cause booting problems, and even alot more.
SO u need to locate the problem, when doing this, you will find a lot of solutions, and alternatives for solving your problem....
CHECK if your hard disk is beeing recognised at startup, or in bios.
if it is, then problem one, can be bypassed, and you can continue to the next problem were you have alot of solutions.
Well this is not a solution for your problem since the discription is not enough to identify it, **** i think this can give an idea and a basic knowleg on whats MIGHT be going on.
and Finally, yes you do need a format tool, the simplest way is to insert the setup disk of any operating system (beside linux if your not familiar with it), and format it, i recomend the windows xp setup disk its the easier!
gd luck and lett me know what have you done.