I've tried that too, to no avail
I can't use backups, only the owner of the forum, and he is currently unavailable. Besides, it might turn out that the last backup is from 3 months ago or something... Hence my desperation...
I've tried every single thing I could think of and asked 2 or 3 other vB admins I know and no one has a clue.
I'm starting to think that my next option is to lie in a bathtub and sly my wrists :S