An information processing apparatus for receiving a recording medium that stores image data and data setting conditions for an operation relating to the image data, and that includes an erroneous-erasure prevention mechanism, includes an image recording device for rewriting or erasing image data recorded in the recording medium, a setting device for setting conditions for an operation relating to the image data recorded in the recording medium, a detector for detecting a state of the erroneous-erasure prevention mechanism, and a controller for performing control of the apparatus so that, when the detector detects that the erroneous-erasure prevention mechanism is in an erroneous-erasure prevention state, an operation of the image recording device is prohibited, and an operation of the setting device is permitted.