A method for coupling protected digital data object, for example an application program, and a specified computer, which allows for, if desired, individual components of the computer to be modified. A cryptographic key is generated on the basis of current components of a computer in order to decrypt an encrypted, computer-specific authorization code for executing a protected digital data object on the computer. The computer-specific authorization code is encrypted with a key based on original components of the computer. The key can be determined from the current components of the computer even if they are different from the original components of the computer.