Liam Miller, on loan from Manchester United, was quick to show his ability and almost created a goal for Leeds in the first five minutes
The former Celtic midfielder collected the ball in his own half and ghosted past two opponents on a long run through the middle before feeding Frazer Richardson on the right.
Richardson's cross was headed behind by Preston right-back Graham Alexander and although David Healy headed Gary Kelly's corner into the net at the far post, a flag was raised and the goal did not count.
Neither goalkeeper was troubled in the first half, although Miller did manage a smart half-volley which was comfortably saved and a second-half free-kick from just outside the edge of the penalty box was inches too high.
Former Preston pair Healy and Eddie Lewis were loudly jeered by the visiting supporters every time they touched the ball.
Preston suffered an early blow when midfielder David Jones, also on loan from Manchester United, limped off in the 16th minute, to be replaced by David Nugent who returned after illness.
The visitors had started the game with a 4-5-1 formation but Nugent played up front as his side switched to 4-4-2, and it needed a superb tackle by Paul Butler to stop the England Under-21 international in full stride inside the Leeds penalty box.
There was little to choose between the sides, with the strikers denied the space they needed and tackles carrying extra bite.
Chris Sedgwick's finishing let him down after he had turned Leeds defenders Dan Harding and Matthew Kilgallon inside out.
United manager Kevin Blackwell made a double substitution with 18 minutes left, Robbie Blake and Jonathan Douglas replacing Healy and Richardson.
Home goalkeeper Neil Sullivan did well to beat away a fierce shot from Nugent but it was a dour contest and there were bookings for Leeds' Kelly and Preston quartet Sedgwick, Chris Lucketti, Nugent and Matt Hill.