Time machine backup is bigger than the size of my harddisk

[sfreek]

Hello

I have a weird problem with my time machine backup under OS X Mavericks. I've setup my new Mac today and finally wanted to backup it all but it does not work. Time Machine throws an error stating that my backup needs 5TB of space but the volume I want to backup is only 1TB in size. How can that be and what can I do to resolve this strange issue?

Many thanks in advance!
sfreek

 

[Fishrrman]

This doesn't solve the problem with TM, but I'd suggest...
...trying a different backup utility.

I'd recommend either CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper.
Both are FREE to download and use for 30 days.
It will cost you nothing to try either of them (or even both).
If you don't like the results, just erase and go back to TM...