"Please switch to an Aero theme" error message on Windows 7

On Windows 7, the error message “DWM composition is not running. Please switch to an Aero theme” prevents Cubase Pro/Artist 8 from starting.
Please read this article for details on this issue:

https://www.steinberg.net/nc/en/support/knowledgebase_new/show_details/kb_show/windows-7-error-message-dwm-composition-is-not-running-please-switch-to-an-aero-theme.html

Rest of this thread now at "Please switch to an Aero theme" on Win 7 (discussion) - Steinberg Lounge - Steinberg Forums