User has a drawing that will not display cells or let them place cells.
The file has an Original File Format of V7.
The Solution is achieved by merging this file into a fresh V8 seed file, and then placing the cell.
1. Create a new blank V8 file (using seeds delivered with Microstation V8i Select Series)
2. Attach the V7 file, using Nested Reference level 1 if this has references attached to it
Make all nested-references "Direct Attachment"
3. Merge the "primary" reference into master.
4. Save the new file