Barring a hardware problem, replace the CMOS battery located on the motherboard.  CR2032 coin cell battery.

This is a 2007 era PC.  Time for a replacement.

Thanks for the suggestion.  Changed the CR2032 and fan continues to race and no screen activity.  In the oft chance the replacement battery is bad, I will try with a brand new one...otherwise, my 12 year old Vostro 200 journey is coming to end    

try clear cmos settings by reset CMOS jumper on motherboard after replacing cmos battery with a brand now one.  I have had two of this model V200.  although relatively old, it still runs Windows 10 for light internet and email.  

Clearing CMOS Settings
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 101.
NOTE: The computer must be disconnected from the electrical outlet to clear
the CMOS setting.
2 Remove the computer cover (see "Removing the Computer Cover" on
page 103).
3 Reset the current CMOS settings:
a Locate the 3-pin CMOS jumper (CLEAR CMOS) on the system
board (see "System Board Components" on page 106).
b Remove the jumper plug from the CMOS jumper (CLEAR CMOS)
pins 2 and 3.
c Place the jumper plug on the CMOS jumper (CLEAR CMOS) pins 1
and 2 and wait approximately five seconds.
d Remove the jumper plug and rep

#12 CMOS jumper (CLEAR
CMOS)