Collation on CB 1.9

Ok thank you.
This did not solve the issue... and since this was previously solved, I am starting to think it may be a server issue.

I have a few sites on J2.5, and they work fine.
But, I can't move this site to 2.5 because of some nice components that are not upgraded. Such as the Topsite component.
That is a sort of link system, that places banners higher according to how many hits back are triggered.
I haven't found anything on 2.5 etc that is similar to this.
Perhaps it is time to drop it...

I've no idea then. As far as I am aware the only way for this to happen is purely due to database collation issues as Joomla and CB it self both support UTF8 just fine.

But, I can't move this site to 2.5 because of some nice components that are not upgraded. Such as the Topsite component.
That is a sort of link system, that places banners higher according to how many hits back are triggered.
I haven't found anything on 2.5 etc that is similar to this.

Joomlas built in banner component can track clicks and impressions. All you need is a module that'll order the banners by impression. Could actually be a simple modification to the query of the existing banner module. There appears to be several 3rd party banner extensions on JED that can provide what you're wanting.

extensions.joomla.org/extensions/ads-a-affiliates/banner-management

The below looks like it'd fit your needs, but I've never used it so you may want to contact the author and ask them a few questions in regards to your current usage to see if it'll do what you need.

extensions.joomla.org/extensions/ads-a-affiliates/banner-management/6303

Perhaps it is time to drop it..

J1.5 and all previous versions are marked "end-of-life" and no longer maintained. So moving forward is probably the best thing you can do. I suggest going straight to J3.1 if possible.