A method and system for programming and erasing the normal bits of a memory array of dual bit memory cells is accomplished by programming at a substantially high delta VT and an erase pulse that provides a substantially high electric field to each I/O in a sector one at a time. After the first erase pulse, the erase verify routine is performed on all the IO's together. The substantially higher VT assures that the memory array will maintain programmed data and erase data consistently after higher temperature stresses and/or customer operation over substantial periods of time. This erase pulse that provides a substantially high electric field is selected to erase band to band currents for the entire array that are larger than can be supplied by drain pumps.