This is really making me crazy.

I have data that I have downloaded from mysql.
The problem I am having is that every cell is defaulting to text format with
a left align (the field starts out with a hidden apostrophe). No big deal
except that I need to convert on of the text fields by inserting a dash in
between words so that long names will be ready to concatenate into web
addresses.

The following steps have not worked
Changing the cell format to general - it says general but the dang ' is
still there
Copying the format of a blank cell and using the format painter
Copying a blank cell and pasting the format (remember every field defaults
to test)
Applying various Trim, Clean, etc functions.

I have saved it to numerous format including xls and cvs.

I have copied to word and can not replace

I have imported to access and tried something there - no luck

I am thinking that there is some universal setting that needs to be changed.
Any ideas?

Thank you!