...what pixel dimensions are the images being used?...
...apparently elements or premiere don't like images much more than 1024 x 768 or so...
...this link is useful, applies to up to date elements users too:
...also verify the transitions and effects being used, if you have complex effects, try rendering those complex regions first to see which areas are problematic...
...elemnts will allow you to render individual sections of the timeline/sceneline so that they can be previewed in real-time. As long as those sections are not altered, there is no need for re-rendering those areas...
...if you come across complex areas that crash the program, then re-create those areas again, then render it out...
...then render the less complex regions individually to ensure those areas don't crash the program...
...now, as long as you don't alter it after this point, try rendering the whole show...
...might also be worth disabling any virus scanning software you may have running at the same time...
Andrew