1. A method of storing N>1 bits, comprising the steps of: (a) configuring a memory device that includes at least one memory cell to selectively place said at least one memory cell into M>2 N programmed states; (b) selecting one of said programmed states to represent the bits according to a generalized Gray mapping; and (c) programming said at least one memory cell to said selected programmed state; wherein at least one of said programmed states is excluded from said selecting.