Missing or corrupt file: WINNT\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEMced

Bit of back ground first.
Have an old desktop at home, but hasn't been touched in about two years. Not much on it except for photos etc and a couple of programs like AutoCAD.
Decided its time to dump it, but obviously want to get the photos, in particular, off it.
When i turned it on, i got a message Windows 2000 could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINNT\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEMced startup options for Windows 2000, press F8

You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows 2000
Setup using the original Setup CD-ROM

I restarted the computer and pressed F8 and went through the steps, but it returned to the above message.
Problem is, the start up CD has been misplaced/lost....Is there any way to get at the photos etc without a CD. Or is all lost and i need to bring it to an expert.....
I have also emailed dell tech support (Ireland section) and have yet to receive a reply or even agknowledgement of my question.
Any advice and/or help is welcome

Terry