To provide an image_forming apparatus which does not require the preliminary setting of a slot for storage medium use for inserting a storage medium and the fixation of a mount point, and releases its directory from binding the mount point, and also to provide a path designation method.

The image_forming apparatus is provided with a program which executes processing by using hardware resources and a slot 125 in which the storage medium 126 can detachably be inserted. In addition, the apparatus is provided with a storage medium starting means 121 which mounts the storage medium inserted in the slot 125 in a first mount point and a program starting means 52 which reads out a setting file from the storage medium, obtains a relative path recorded in the setting file and an absolute path in accordance with the first mount point, and mounts the absolute path in a second mount point recorded in the setting file.

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