Specifying makefile location

[vahalia]

I have a project that needs a custom makefile. The environment is Windows 8.
i have a directory called source with a subdirectory called proj, and the .cbp file is in the source/proj directory. The makefile is in the source directory along with other source files and binaries.
In Project->Properties, I have checked the custom Makefile box and put the string "makefile" in the Makefile: box.
The execution directory filed is set to "..\..\source".
When I try to build, I get the error
    ..\..\..\..\SOURCE\ makefile                       No such file or directory
If I change the makefile box to say "..\makefile", it predictably changes the error to
    ..\..\..\..\SOURCE\ makefile                       No such file or directory
I don't know what is causing such a pathname to be created (the space at the end just before the makefile is particularly perplexing), nor how to fix it.
Can someone help? I have tried a bunch of things and searched all forums.

[stahta01]

Create an makefile in the same folder as the cbp file.
It is easier to edit that makefile to call the other makefile.
Then to figure out what you are trying to do.

Tim S.

[vahalia]

I just tried that -- moved the makefile to the project directory.
It makes no difference, still get the same errors