How to Fix Invalid Partition Table in Windows System with an SSD

Summary: Learn how to fix the "Invalid Partition Table" error on Dell Latitude systems with SSDs by updating the BIOS using a bootable USB drive.

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Symptoms

An error message "Invalid Partition Table" is received when installing Windows onto a solid state drive (SSD) either manually or using a custom image.

A BIOS update resolves this issue, but a working Operating System and a bootable USB Flash drive is required.

Cause

Cause information is not available.

Resolution

An Invalid Partition Table error message is received when installing Windows manually on the SSD or with a custom install image. Update the BIOS to the latest version. If a working Operating System is not available, access to another system, and a bootable USB Flash drive is required.

Note: For help with creating a bootable USB memory stick, see the following Article:

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 Dell's drivers home page 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 does not automatically run, you must:

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

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

  7. After the update, your computer restarts, and you can then continue installing your operating system.

Additional Information

Hard Drive  Source additional information about Hard Drives and solid state drives on our support page.

Also, if you installed a new SSD in Windows 10 and it is not detected, see Dell Knowledge Base article Windows 10: New SSD not detected in Disk Management

Out of Warranty support Out of warranty? No problem. Browse to the Dell.com/support website and enter your Dell Service Tag and view our offers.

NOTE: Offers are only available for US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, and China personal computer customers. Server and Storage not applicable.

Affected Products

Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Premium, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged, Mobile Workstations
Article Properties
Article Number: 000132051
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 31 Jul 2025
Version:  13
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