If I take a backup of a database from a SQL Server 2016 instance and then restore it to a 2017 instance to do some work on it.
Can I then turn around and back up that database from the 2017 instance and use that to overwrite the original version on the 2016 instance?
Best Answer
No, this is not possible.SQL Server 2017 backups cannot be restored by any earlier version of SQL Server ref
Also, regarding detatching and reattaching per the docs:
Also, not sure you care about the compatibility level, but FYSA:
Additionally, I believe you question is about a user database, but if it isn't: