Is it possible to access the desktop without resetting passwords?
Not if if you don't have auto log-in turned on.
Resetting or changing a password:
For Snow Leopard or earlier: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274
If it's running Mac OS X 10.6.8 or earlier, insert a Mac OS X install DVD, restart with the Option key held down, click on it, and use the Reset Password utility.
Does the mac have a login password, and have you forgotten it?
I need to access the account but to retain the original password.
So, enter the password, no need to change it.
I dont have the account password but I have the administrator password.
Let me get this straight.
You want to login to a user account that is not yours, and you want to do it without changing the password, and you are the administrator of this Mac, is that correct.
Is the account you want to login to also an administrative account?
Yes. It is my computer, I am the administrator and I need to access the account without changing the password.
Can I ask why you don't already know the password (as the Administrator of the Mac) and do not want to change it?
Doesn't matter, you need to either enter the password, or change the password. If neither of those is acceptable I would suggest taking the Mac to an Apple Store.
It is an old laptop that has been sitting around for years and the password for it is the same one I used for another non-computer application. I forgot the password and this is the only place I know where it is stored.
The only way you can get to see it (maybe) is by logging into the account and looking in the keychain, but to do that you will need to enter the password, or change it (which is no use to you)
I have no idea how to get in without the password while preserving the password at the same time.
Would the old password be in the keychain you are referring to?
As I said before, maybe.
How do I look at the keychain?
Are you not bothering to read what I post?
Look again, I already explained once.
Yes, you said.
The only way you can get to see it (maybe) is by logging into the account and looking in the keychain, but to do that you will need to enter the password, or change it (which is no use to you)
I have no idea how to get in without the password while preserving the password at the same time.
I thought you meant I might be able to change the password and then the old one might still be retained in the keychain.
How can I access user accounts on Macbook running 10.4 without resetting passwords
