---
title: "Why do I get the error 'You cannot perform this operation. User exists in another data center' when I try to add collaborators to my Catalyst project?"
url: https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/faq/general/user-exists-another-dc/
description: "This issue occurs when the email address you are trying to add exists in an account from a different data center. You can try deleting the collaborator's …"
last_updated: 2026-11-13T05:00:22Z
service: All Services
type: faq
---

This issue occurs when the email address you are trying to add exists in an account from a different data center. You can try deleting the collaborator's original Catalyst account, and then add the account again in the DC that you require. You can also try adding a different email address of the collaborator.

Note: You must take a backup of all the data in the collaborator’s Catalyst account. We will not be able to retrieve data of a Catalyst account, if it is deleted.