Help WiFi Password viewing via wpa_supplicant.conf, unrooted?

[werdnachi]

Hello,

I've been looking around the net trying to view the wpa_supplicant.conf from the root directory but I can only find the binary file, I'm looking for the plain text file containing saved passwords for saved wi-fi hotspots on my Galaxy Nexus. The thing is, I believe I have to have my phone rooted before gaining access to that plain text so, I ask:

1. Is there a way to view the plain text file without having to root?

or

2. Is there a way to root the phone in order to access the plain text file WITHOUT losing it during the boot-loader/wiping process? (I can't seem to back it while my phone is unrooted).

Thank you so much.