Whenever I introduce new media (eg memory stick) that has images, PS Elements 6 launches.  Apparently it is a default setting for viewing picture media. 

How do I turn this off???  Been searching preferences, nothing there.

Since you can't find it in Preferences check your startup programs to see if it's there and if it is, uncheck the box and restart your computer. Usually it's a sequence such as; Click Start--->Run --> type in "msconfig". This should bring up your configuration utility window. Then on the tabs above you should see one for "Startup". Click the tab and go down the list to find your PS Elements if it's there.

It most probably is a file association issue.  Often when a new program is installed on the computer part of the installation process involves associating certain file types with the installed program.  In the case of graphics programs this involves .jpg, .bmps. tiff etc.  If you cant find in Elements preferences somewhere to 'disassociate' file types then you can do it through Windows Explorer.

Open Explorer
Click Tools > Folder Options
Select the File Types tab
Scroll down to the file type you want to disassociate
Click 'Delete', or 'Change' if you want to open the graphic file type in another program on your computer.

Another way to change associations is to right-click on a .jpg image and select  Open With > Choose Default Program. Check box at bottom that says "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file". Then choose a program from the recommended list. If it's not on recommended list use the Browse button to find program.  You would repeat this with each file type. 

Also check your Start > Programs > Startup to see if Elements is on the list to startup when you turn on computer. If it's there delete it. 

Elements is a very annoying program IMHO. I installed it at one point when the program came free with my graphics tablet. I never let a program decide whiche files will be assoicated with it.

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)

I found this info, but it is for Elements 4. Maybe it  also work with Elements 6 (and 7).

I also found this info.