An information processing apparatus that performs information processing by using a plurality of first setting values, the apparatus comprising: an identification information storing unit adapted to store therein device identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus; a setting value storing unit adapted to store therein the first setting values used in the information processing apparatus, unique information indicating whether the first setting value can be set to a device different from the information processing apparatus, and setting range information indicating a setting range of the first setting value in an associated manner; a file obtaining unit adapted to obtain a setting information file that includes second setting values, setting range information indicating a setting range of the second setting value and device identification information for identifying a sender of the setting information file; a comparing unit adapted to compare the device identification information included in the setting information file and the device identification information stored in the identification information storing unit; a range comparing unit adapted to compare the setting range information associated with the second setting value with the setting range information associated with the first setting value; and a setting value updating unit adapted to update the first setting value with which the unique information stored in the setting value storing unit is not associated to the second setting value included in the setting information file, when the device identification information included in the setting information file does not match the device identification information stored in the identification information storing unit, and to update the first setting value stored in the setting value storing unit to the second setting value included in the setting information file irrespective of the unique information when the setting range of the second setting value is same with or included in the setting range of the first setting value. an identification information storing unit adapted to store therein device identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus; a setting value storing unit adapted to store therein the first setting values used in the information processing apparatus, unique information indicating whether the first setting value can be set to a device different from the information processing apparatus, and setting range information indicating a setting range of the first setting value in an associated manner; a file obtaining unit adapted to obtain a setting information file that includes second setting values, setting range information indicating a setting range of the second setting value and device identification information for identifying a sender of the setting information file; a comparing unit adapted to compare the device identification information included in the setting information file and the device identification information stored in the identification information storing unit; a range comparing unit adapted to compare the setting range information associated with the second setting value with the setting range information associated with the first setting value; and a setting value updating unit adapted to update the first setting value with which the unique information stored in the setting value storing unit is not associated to the second setting value included in the setting information file, when the device identification information included in the setting information file does not match the device identification information stored in the identification information storing unit, and to update the first setting value stored in the setting value storing unit to the second setting value included in the setting information file irrespective of the unique information when the setting range of the second setting value is same with or included in the setting range of the first setting value.