The online 2017 return file will not know that you purchased a desktop program, so it will still be locked. It only automatically unlocks when one purchases a 2018 online return in the same account. A 2018 desktop product purchase would also qualify to unlock it, but one has to notify Customer Support to do the unlocking.
So there are a couple ways to proceed since you bought 2017 software. We can tell you how to purchase a 2018 online return in advance to unlock it (minimum is Free Edition upgraded to PLUS for 19.99). Or you can try the following:
You can speak to TurboTax Support and plead your case, and see if you can get them to unlock the 2017 return on the basis of your 2017 desktop software purchase. Like you, after spending that much already, I'd at least ask. It will depend on how rigid they are about purchasing a 2018 product.
You can use the form at the link below to schedule a call back, or it may provide a number. Hours are 5AM-9PM Pacific (8AM-12 Midnight Eastern) 7 days/week.
Where the form asks what product you are using, be sure in the dropdown menu to indicate "CD/download" and the proper operating system, then indicate which Edition.
https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact
