a method and apparatus that allows for the distribution of electronic licenses is disclosed . the method and apparatus may be used in a network or non - network environment to facilitate product licensing and upgrades . further , the method and apparatus accommodate the use of compact disc read - only media product distribution . the method and apparatus provide the ability to disable electronically distributed material . further , the method and apparatus provide the ability to license use of the material by some entity in the distribution chain . the method and apparatus protect multiple electronic licenses by disabling the license such that an enabler key is necessary to enable a license for use . the method and apparatus reduce the cost of electronic distribution by providing the ability to distribute multiple products , product versions , and licenses that are unusable prior to the execution of an enablement procedure . the method and apparatus provide the ability to take advantage of the benefits of cd rom , or any other , distribution media . for example , a generic distribution cd - rom can be manufactured for a wider enduser base that contains multiple product and licensing options . an enduser can contact a fulfillment entity to purchase products contained on the distribution cd - rom . in return , the enduser receives enabling information that can be used with an enablement procedure operating on the consumer &# 39 ; s computer system to enable the purchased product . the method and apparatus can be used with a network server product that limits connection access electronically using connection - stratified server connection licenses or connection - stratified server executable files .