You do need each year's program installed to open the .tax file. Like to open a .tax2018 return you need the 2018 program.
The programs need to be installed from the CD or download them again. You don't need to install them unless you need to amend or open a return.
After you get the program installed the first thing to do before you open your tax return is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to File-New Tax Return).
Then go to FILE -Open and find your return.
See this article on how to move your tax return to another computer…….
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-data-file/help/how-do-i-move-my-tax-data-file-to-another-compu...
