I have some spare 2N4401's I can test with my DMM set to Diode. I've read that the pin outs on these packages are from left to right Emitter Base Collector. That is even printed on the ones on my board.
So I test the new ones by Pos to Base and Neg to Emitter or Collector and I show the voltage drop on both. I switch the leads to Neg on the Base and Pos on Emitter or Collector and I show Open on both. I show Open Emitter to Collector no matter which way my DMM leads are. So I assume I am doing this correctly ?

Now I try and test them in circuit on the board.. No matter where I test on the board or which 2N4401 I test I show a voltage drop in all configurations of the leads.

What the Heck am I doing wrong?

Thanks, I've scanned through that and didn't see much about these being in circuit and all that. I just don't see how I can get the wrong readings on every 4401 I test?

The middle leg is the Base and I show a voltage drop to the outer legs. Should I show Open the other way around, with black on Base?

Using that method I only get .323 on all the 4401's on the whole board and it's always on the right lead from center as I'm facing the 4401 ( Collector ).. I guess if their all the same than I'm good huh..