There is a size limitation on the individual component.s of a zipped Shapefile exceeds. Any component may not exceed 2GB in size, however, the total file size of the zipped folder can exceed 2GB.
Here is an example of a shapefile with a DBF file that exceeds the 2GB limit.
If calling the file from an http or https address, you'll receive the following error:
Error Code
Unable to parse request
Error Message
Failed to process query: Failed to create dataset Dataset: Failed to load [URL]. Connection timed out (Connection timed out)
If calling the file locally, the following error will appear:
Error Code
Unable to parse request
Error Message
Failed to process query: Failed to create dataset test: Unexpected end of dbf file. On row X of XX.
Cause:
The limitation comes from Esri itself and is documented on their site: https://support.esri.com/en/technical-article/000010813.
Resolution:
The shapefile will need to be broken up into two (or more) files so that the offending file is smaller than 2GB limitation.