How to fix an Invalid Partition Table error on a system with a SSD (Solid State Drive)

Getting an Invalid Partition Table error message on a your system, this article may help resolve the issue

Table of Contents:

1. Invalid Partition Table error message while installing Windows on an SSD
2. Solution

1. Invalid Partition Table error message while installing Windows on an SSD

When trying to install Windows onto a Solid State Drive (SSD) either manually or using a custom image, you may get an error message "Invalid Partition Table".

A BIOS update will resolve this issue, but as you may not have a working Operating System you will need access to another system and a bootable USB Flash drive.

The Steps below will show you how to achieve this.

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2. Solution

If you get an Invalid Partition Table error message while installing Windows manually on the solid state drive (SSD) or with a custom install image, you need to update the BIOS to the latest version. You will need access to another system and have a bootable USB Flash drive.

Download the BIOS on a working computer to a bootable USB drive

1. On another computer, connect your bootable USB drive to the USB port

2. Go to www.dell.com/support/home?app=drivers and get the latest BIOS for your system type.

3. Under the BIOS category, locate the latest version for your system and click Download File.

4. Select the Single-File download option and click Continue.

5. Save the file to your bootable USB drive.

6. Disconnect the bootable USB drive from the USB port and put it in the target system.

Install the BIOS from the bootable USB drive on to your system

1. Connect the bootable USB drive to a USB port on your System.

2. Start or restart your computer.

3. Press F12 on startup to open the Boot Device menu. (You may have to tap F12 several times until you see "Preparing one-time boot menu")

4. Use the Arrow keys to select your USB device from the device list and press Enter.

5. If the BIOS .exe file doesn’t automatically run, you need to:

   • Type the command prompt E:\XXXXXXXX.exe (where E is the name of the bootable USB drive letter and XXXXXXXX is the name of file you saved to the bootable USB drive).
     For example, you might type: E:\M6700A08.exe.

6. Press Enter to run the file and install the BIOS .

7. After updating, your computer will restart, and you can then continue installing your operating system.

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