Strange Python error has just appeared when building

Something has just started happening when I try to build a project in Visual Studio (2017 Community). I’m getting these lines in the build output:

2>Couldn't parse '------- ' in UnrealBuildTool.ConfigFileSection of E:\UE4\EngineVersions\UE_4.18\Engine\Config\BaseEngine.ini
2>Couldn't parse '-------' in UnrealBuildTool.ConfigFileSection of E:\UE4\EngineVersions\UE_4.18\Engine\Config\BaseEngine.ini
2>Creating makefile for hot reloading PythonNonsenseEditor (modules to compile have changed)
2>Compiling game modules for hot reload
2>Using Python at: C:/PROGRA~1/SIDEEF~1/HOUDIN~1.439/python27
2>[WARNING] Your Python installation is not in the system PATH environment variable.
2>[WARNING] Ensure your python paths are set in GlobalConfig (DefaultEngine.ini) so the path can be corrected at runtime.

What’s going on here? This problem has literally just appeared out of nowhere.

And the main problem is that it means I can no longer generate Visual Studio solutions from the explorer (using right click → Generate Visual Studio project files) because of this issue.

What’s going on, and how can I fix this?!

Hello,

We’ve recently made a switch to a new bug reporting method using a more structured form. Please visit the link below for more details and report the issue using the new Bug Submission Form. Feel free to continue to use this thread for community discussion around the issue.

https://epicsupport.force.com/unrealengine/s/

Thanks