I just want to start with a check number, for example 1001. I cant figure out how to change the checks so that they show the check number instead of " No. To Print"

And what happens if I manually enter the cheque number but it doesn't stay that way? About once a month, I have to reprint several cheques onto blank paper to get them to clear out of the "Print Cheques" screen and assign a number. This is a burden as is, but even worse is that sometimes, the number does not stay and I have to reprint them up to 10 - 12 times just to get it to work. 

Thanks for visiting the Community, @piworks.

I’m here to share some information about printing and assigning check numbers.

QuickBooks has an option that allows you to assign one check number and the rest of the sequence follows. Since the issue is with the numbers not staying on the transaction, let’s perform some basic troubleshooting to fix it.

There’s possible data damage on the company file causing unexpected behavior when printing checks.  Resolve it by running the Verify and Rebuild Data Utility Tool.

Make sure to create a backup to avoid any accidental data loss. Then, perform the steps below:

1. Go to the File menu.
2. Select Utilities, then Rebuild Data.
3. Click OK on the QuickBooks Information window. 
4. Follow the prompt to save a backup.
5. Hit OK when you see Rebuild has completed.

Once done, follow the same steps except select verify instead of rebuild. Here are screenshots from step 1-3 for visual reference: 

Check out this article for more information: Resolve data damage on your company file. In the same link, you’ll find other data damage troubleshooting steps for Windows.

This information should get you back in line. 

Please give these steps a try and let me know if it corrects the issue. I want to make sure this gets taken care of. Cheering you to continued success!