application element of server.xml being updated upon server start up.

Environment: Win 7 Pro, WebSphere Liberty 17.0.0.4, Java 8

When I start WebSphere server in IntelliJ 2017.2.7, the application element of my server.xml gets updated.  The location attribute changes to C:\Program Files\JetBrains\IntelliJ IDEA 2017.2.7\bin.  I am try to deploy an exploded ear. 

I have a similar problem with IntelliJ 2018.1.4.  The difference is that it location attribute to C:\Windows.  

I can't say it is related, but it did start shortly after I installed IntellJ 2018.1.4.

Any ideas on why this is happening or how I can fix it?

Thanks.