A data recording apparatus holds device state information which is updated according to use of the apparatus and represents a use state of the apparatus, and device identification information unique to the apparatus. Upon recording data, the data recording apparatus acquires information associated with generation of recording data, which is different from the device state information, as recording information, in association with the recording data. The apparatus generates unique identification information of the recording data based on the device identification information, the device state information, and the recording information, and records a file including the recording data and the unique identification information in a recording medium.