Change Network Drive mapping to UNC addressing

Hi,
When I try to access my shared network drive via Windows Explorer it takes an inordinate long time and sometimes fails.
I have a desktop shortcut to access it that is satisfactorily prompt. The difference between the two is that the Explorer addressing is an IP address (\\192.168.1.4\Public) where the desktop shortcut address is UNC addressing (\\ExternalDrive). I tried to change the Explorer addressing to use the UNC form and I was not allowed to edit it.
Is there a way to do this?
Thanks
Frank C__

I use a UNC path at work on my browser.
\\Shared1_svr\Shared1\WGroups\Network\Orders.xls