It’s not JUST a file association problem but the “Adobe Photo Downloader” that starts up with Windows.
Whenever you insert any media (such as a memory stick, card reader, camera, etc) Adobe Photo Downloader detects media that may contain images, and launches.

To disable it, look for the Photo Downloader icon down in your Windows taskbar (it looks like a little camera)….right click and select “Disable”.

Note: You can still download images from your card reader, etc., from within Elements, so you haven’t lost any functionality.

 

Chuck (SWAMP)