1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.01


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) and related Prospectus pertaining to the Symantec Corporation Restricted
Stock Purchase Agreement (March 23, 1989) of our report dated April 24, 2001,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Symantec
Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended March
31, 2001, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
San Jose, California
June 22, 2001