'Failed to deploy the application [...] clear the Locked for Compile/Deploy flag' - Has anyone found a functioning solution to this?

Despite purging the Compile/Deploy flag, the deploy process with the below generic error.

The app itself validates successfully within the Designer.

Knowledgebase article KB0103993 recommends:
- exporting and then re-importing the app, however, unless I'm mistaken, one can't export unless changes have been deployed.

- enabling FullText index setting - made no difference.

-adding additional Administrator and use those credentials to deploy - made no difference

Would greatly appreciate any suggestions.

Failed to deploy the application.
Ask your administrator to clear the Locked for Compile/Deploy flag on the application before attempting another deployment.

Please check the following resolution provided in this KB Article if this will help resolve your issue:
https://support.hcltechsw.com/csm?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB0112403