UTF8 Data & Database Conversion

[El_Pato]

I am wondering if anyone knows how to convert a database back from UTF8?

It appears that someone accidentally converted the data & database to UTF8.

This seems to be causing the monumental slowdowns that we have been experiencing and is very frustrating. 

We have tried everything that we know how to do to get the forums back up to the blazing speeds that we used to enjoy.  We have switched hosts several times and even tried a Virtual Private Server to see if any of this helps but it does not.

I recently was told that forums with UTF8 data and databases tend to be slower at times and can experience the sort of problems that we are having like taking FOREVER to connect to and long page loading waits.

We do not have a recent back-up (nor do we know when the "accident" happened) so we would lose too many posts if we tried to restore from what we know to be a safe version.

We are using SMF 1.1.9 and also have Tiny Portal installed.

Any help is greatly appreciated.