The default format for dates entered into text is January 2, 2014. This can be reset to virtually any shortened or reordered format (Examples: 1/2/14, 2-Jan-2014, Jan. 2014). To reset the default:
1
Click Tools, Preferences
2
Choose Date & Time,then click Set.
3
Enter the new default format in the white box using any desired punctuation and the symbols for month, day and year as shown in the dialog box.