Sometimes the file is created on first run, other times it's hidden in a sub-folder, e.g. the one with DX etc redistributables, third times it's called runasadmin.vdf, or maybe even something else. It really depends on the game.

Regardless, in the vast majority of cases these scripts merely deal with the redistributables. If and when there are registry entries, the game rarely actually depends on them. For each game, you can parse the file yourself, using any old text editor and see what's going on.

And FFS, stop with the pointless DRM discussion. The trolls will keep at what they do, no need to keep feeding them. Learning tidbits about how Steam installs things, like the one above, will be much more helpful to people in making up their minds on these things than all the demagoguery in the world.

Just out of curiosity: after you download and install the said games are you able to move the game files to another PC and still be able to play them?

Don't have a second PC to test them. But for Carmageddon, I run WinDiff comparing GOG and Steam versions. Results here. Binary files are identical.
Same holds true for every DosBox game, since they don't depend on anything other than DosBox itself.

Edit: And for DosBox games, there is no install step. Just distribution.

How do I check that on the store page?

The whole fecalfront should hit any minute now.

Poor fan.

You can never go wrong with a classic. ;)

That made my day thanks

You don't. Stuff like Enhanced Steam may help you identify games with 3rd Party DRM, but I'm not sure if they show CEG or not. So your best bet would be the list of DRM-Free games on Steam, either , on [url=http://steam.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games]Steam wikia or PC Gaming Wiki.
If you don't want to risk getting a game that may possibly have DRM, then avoid getting any game on Steam, especially since the DRM status may change without notice (Skyrim got DRM'd, Half-Life 2 went DRM-Free).

http://www.gog.com/forum/general/frontier_have_decided_to_make_elite_dangerous_online_only/post207

I guess I'll just consider all Steam to be DRM.

Stubbornheadedly doing so despite knowing better is your own prerogative of course. Even if the store page doesn't tell you, it doesn't change the fact that there are DRM-free games distributed by Steam.

I think this calls for a class action lawsuit, pronto!

Well class action don't exists in Europe (nor in Switzerland for that matter...)