I've been asked by a friend (really) to look at his unused Win 7 HP install disk to see if there might be a loader in it. He did a hash check for me and it does not match. I've never seen a 'pre-activated' disc - would a loader be hidden? How well? There must be a cert somewhere on the disc if it pre-activates, would that be visible without actually installing? Thanks for any info.
There is if the ISO creator slips it into the Wim file like Hazar's tool to create an AIO DVD with RemoveWAT. It is possible but more complicated. My advice to you would be stay away from any pre-activated ISOs dude. Basically if you install win7 fresh and it says it is Activated then there is a loader most likely. There could be scripts to activate via bios mod as well if they are smart but again it is more complicated then it is to just slip a loader there.
Have you tried windows 7 iso verifier. It is there on this forum and also on the net. Google it. Supposed to check the genuineness of any win 7 (english?) image. Does the check in 1-2 mins and very easy to use.