I haven't been able to have LimeWire Minimize to the notification area on the task bar on windows xp pro. I have the option selected in the LimeWire Options dialog box under Shutdown, and the program still completely shuts down when I click the X/Close button. What can I do to get LimeWire to drop to the notification area?

So clicking the - minus at the top right corner won't work? Or is it you want LW permanently in the Task bar. You may need to do it manually. Go to Start>Settings>Taskbar & Start Menu... & press add & add LW. Try that 1st.

I wonder if it's due to LW being too busy at that moment. Otherwise I wonder if you delete the LW prefs if that'll get it back working ok.
Try deleting your LW Preferences folder whilst LW is closed; instructions here: Fixes for Limewire