it's either patch, or don't bother. or you could try that experimental patch program if you don't want a permanent patch. it runs an extra process in the background that enables you to use 3rd party themes. http://zainadeel.deviantart.com/art/Win7-Blend-for-Windows-7-v1-8-144063997 this theme works straight out of the box. nothing needs to be patched because it's just an improved aero style with small changes.
35 Free Windows 7 Themes Download http://www.disk-utilities.com/knowledge/free-windows-7-themes-download.html
What? It doesn't give any problems. Just when your changing your explorer.exe, take ownership of the new one so it doesn't give you an annoying message every time you want to move something to Program Files and shit. this + this = Instant win.
Then he should of told us. If it is XP, don't bother, they suck big time. I tried nearly all the XP > Vista, XP > 7 themes. Nothing compares to the real thing obviously.