arabic collation in mysql

Hi I have a problem with some of my old mysql DBs that were automatically updated with the introduction of mysql collation, and are all labeled as latin_swedish while the text is in fact in Arabic. PHP DOES render the text correctly but phpmyadmin does not. I cannot view arabic text on some (not all) of my mysql DBs in phpmyadmin, I cannot export any DB - the characters would be incomprehensible symbols in the text file I cannot search or replace in them. I need a (preferrably PHP) script that can tell mysql to simply copy every single one of my databases to a new database with the same tables and type of fields, BUT with the UTF-8 character set for every DB, every table, and every field. Is this something doable? could this be realized without the iconv PHP extension?? **ALTERNATIVE ** If you can fix the mysql collation of my DB and tables so that I can edit, import and export, using the shell command prompt **AND** using phpmyadmin. Then I would be fine. **here is my signature in RAC:** Please bid something reasonable. Remember you are not the only coder here I have previously on [[login to view URL]][1] successfully concluded a project for less than 1% of some of the original bids. Bids from English speaking countries are encouraged. Female coders, coders with a handicap, and ethnical minorities coders are encouraged. ## Deliverables 1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done. 2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows (depending on the nature of the deliverables): a) For web sites or other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment. b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request. 3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement). ## Platform Linux 2.4.31-4tr jailed SSH access can be granted.