Neither side managed an effort on target despite registering 25 shots between them
Bolton legend Kevin Nolan returned to frustrate his former club as Northampton registered a second successive goalless draw.
Wanderers remain in the League One play-off places but have collected only two points from their past three outings.
Steven Schumacher made seven changes from the side that drew 1-1 at Doncaster on New Year's Day in a bid to find a winning formula.
Nolan's Cobblers, though, went closest to victory when Terry Taylor hit the crossbar from 20 yards after 10 minutes.
Trotters striker Mason Burstow did put the ball in the net but the goal was disallowed for George Johnston's push on Town keeper Ross Fitzsimons.
Bolton dominated possession and chances with Amario Cozier-Duberry, Kyle Dempsey and on-loan Hull forward Burstow all missing the target from good positions.
However, for all their efforts they did not force Fitzsimons into a meaningful save.
Opposite number Tyler Miller also remained untested although Sam Hoskins and Bolton old boy Tom Eaves went close for the visitors in the second half.
Match report supplied by PA Media.
Schumacher: 'There were tired bodies and minds'
Nolan: 'Three games in a week is just ridiculous'
