diff --git a/Cantera/python/Makefile.in b/Cantera/python/Makefile.in
index e7382f749..4c9f5d80e 100755
--- a/Cantera/python/Makefile.in
+++ b/Cantera/python/Makefile.in
@@ -50,6 +50,7 @@ win: _winbuild
 #
 _build: $(SRCS) $(LIB_DEPS) Makefile setup.py
 	touch src/pycantera.cpp 
+	/bin/rm -f _build
 	(CXX="@CXX@"; export CXX; CC="@CXX@"; export CC; @PYTHON_CMD@ setup.py build)
 	echo 'ok' > _build
 
diff --git a/Cantera/python/setup.py.in b/Cantera/python/setup.py.in
index d1fa9c9f1..80fb6cd11 100644
--- a/Cantera/python/setup.py.in
+++ b/Cantera/python/setup.py.in
@@ -90,7 +90,10 @@ if buildPython >= 2:
                             ],
               )
     except:
-        buildPython = 1
+        if buildPython == 3:
+          buildPython = 1
+        else:
+          raise 'Error encountered while building or installing the Cantera python modules!'
     
         
 if buildPython == 1: