The database was backed up on a server running version x+y. That version is incompatible with this server, which is running version x

ERROR MESAGGE:

Msg 3169, Level 16, State 1, Line 2
The database was backed up on a server running version x+y. That version is incompatible with this server, which is running version x. Either restore the database on a server that supports the backup, or use a backup that is compatible with this server.
Msg 3013, Level 16, State 1, Line 2
RESTORE DATABASE is terminating abnormally.

The old version of this error is as follows:

“The backed-up database has on-disk structure version x+y. The server supports version x and cannot restore or upgrade this database. RESTORE FILELIST is terminating abnormally. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 3169)”

EXPLANATION:

You may experience this error if you try to restore a database backup of the new version to the old version by using SQL Server Management Studio.

SOLUTION:

There is a general rule, new versions know old versions; but older versions are unaware of new versions.

If you want to restore the backup of the new version to an older version, restore this backup to the new version and get the script of this database, and run this script in the old version (by removing or replacing any incompatible part on the old version).