Thanks for letting us know about your concern, @fcs659,
I can share some information about the error you're getting when opening your company file.
You'll normally get the alert when you restore a company file to a version that's higher than the one you previously use. For example, you're using QuickBooks 2017, and you opened the file in 2018 or 2019 editions.
Make sure to check the correct version before restoring it. Since you downloaded 2016 on your laptop, the backup file should also have the same version to avoid the error. You can also check the version from the original location by opening the company file there and pressing F2 on your keyboard.
If you have a backup of your company file before it was updated, you can restore it using the steps below:
- Click the File menu and select Open or Restore Company.
- Choose Restore a backup copy then press Next.
- Select Local Backup then click Next.
- From the Look In drop-down, choose the backup file location.
- Locate the backup file from the folder. The file name should appear as [Company Name].qbb.
- Select Open then click Next.
- From the Save in drop-down, choose the location to save the restored file.
- Type a new file name in the File name field then click Save.
Here are some extension you need to know:
- QBW - Working Files
- QBB - Back Up Files
- QBA - Accountants Copy Files
- QBX - Accountants Transfer Files
- QBY - Accountants Change Files
See this article to learn more about locating and identifying QuickBooks files: Company file is missing or cannot be found.
Message me back if you need further help. I'll be right here to assist you further. Have a nice day!
