Derby goalkeeper Scott Carson denied his former club with a superb first-half save as Aston Villa had to settle for a point in a 0-0 draw in front of 31,000 fans.
The former Villa stopper tipped a Ross McCormack shot against the bar in a first half dominated by the visitors with Gary Gardner also striking the Derby woodwork.
Derby were much better after the break and Tom Ince wasted a good chance as Nigel Pearson's side played out a goalless draw for the second Championship home game running.
Villa's latest signing Miles Jedinak was still waiting for clearance following his move from Crystal Palace so they made only one change, with Gardner coming in for the injured Aaron Tshibola, while Derby named the same side that beat Preston on Tuesday night.