A recording/reproducing apparatus has a network mode for transmitting and receiving image data through a network and a normal mode for recording and reproducing image data without connecting to a network. In a mode capable of switching between the network mode and the normal mode, the apparatus prohibits the data recording operation on a recording medium and the data erasing operation on the recording medium regardless of whether an accidental-recording prevention means is in a recording-allowed state or in a recording-prohibited state.