I just noticed that the 2016 version is an Education version, and the 2017 is a Student version.  Could this make a difference?

Hello TrishaM,

Thanks for reaching out! If your Sage 50 CA 2016 version is an educational or student version. The data needs to be formatted for the particular version year. You will need to go back to who created the file (the publisher or teacher) and have them convert the files into the educational/student version you have. Data from other Sage 50 Accounting products cannot be opened with this download.

Hope this helps.

Warmly,
Erzsi