A method of operating a memory storing data sets, and ECCs for the data sets is provided. The method includes when writing new data in a data set, computing and storing an ECC, if a number of addressable segments storing the new data and data previously programmed in the data set includes at least a predetermined number of addressable segments. The method includes storing indications for whether to enable or disable use of the ECCs, using the ECC and a first additional ECC bit derived from the ECC. The method includes reading from a data set an extended ECC including an ECC and a first additional ECC bit derived from the ECC, and enabling or disabling use of the ECC according to the indications stored for the data set. The method includes enabling use of ECCs for blank data sets, using the indications and a second additional ECC bit.