Unknown macro/function preventing edits to address list

I received a copy of an excel file which I cannot properly edit -- most likely due to a macro or function imposed on the list. In any column where symbols are used (., +, -) the symbol always goes to the left of the entry, i.e., FNAME column entry that includes initial (Lloyd R.) ends up as (.Lloyd R) as if the entry is part of a formula. I know nothing of macros, but tried reformatting the column to text, with no luck.