With this invention, compatibility between an image forming apparatus and a component mounted on the image forming apparatus is precisely checked. A cartridge, as the component, stores its ID (first information) and an ID (second information) of the image forming apparatus that can use the cartridge. The image forming apparatus stores its ID (third information) and an ID (fourth information) of the cartridge that can be used in the image forming apparatus. Then, when the fourth information includes the first information or the second information includes the third information, it is decided that the cartridge mounted in the image forming apparatus can be used. When the fourth information does not include the first information and the second information does not include the third information, it is decided that the cartridge mounted in the image forming apparatus cannot be used.